ST ANDREWS HOSPITAL LESMURDIE (PLACE NO 108)

By David Mizen

“An event that is attracting a good deal of interest in local motoring circles is a sand pull and hill climb, which the Automobile Club are to conduct on the Welshpool Road at Kalamunda on Saturday, April 28, for prizes donated by ‘The Motorist and Wheelman.’ No conditions are being imposed other than that competing cars must be of the touring or roadster type, while the event is open to both professional and private drivers. Any device may be employed to assist the passage of the car through the three stretches of sand between the starting point (opposite Mr. S. C. Marriott’s residence) and the main constructed portion of the road up the hill. It may be removed at the foot of the hill, but must be carried on the car to the finishing point, at the water trough opposite Mr. E. L. Maw’s orchard. Afternoon tea will be provided by Mr. A. Sanderson, M.L.C., at St. Andrew’s Hall, Lesmurdie, and the proceeds from this will be handed to the local Red Cross Fund. As the event is the first, of its kind to be held in the State, and there is no entrance fee, it is anticipated that there-will be a large number of competitors. Entries close with the secretary of the club (Mr. W. E. Hale) on Tuesday, April 24” (Motoring, West Australian, 17 April 1917, Pg 7).

The present listing for St Andrews minimises the connection to and involvement of the Returned Serviceman’s Association and Later RSL, it completely omits a reference of international literary significance. If the present statement of significance is to be believed the returned soldiers are better of forgotten. This paper intends to highlight the Repatriation Hospitals significance.

The ‘Motorist and Wheelman’ event referred to above took place at the hight of the first World War. Fund Raising was starting to take on new dimensions. The Red Cross were at the forefront of the fund raising drives. The above event appears to be the first contact between the Red Cross and St Andrews in the physical sense. Sanderson’s relationship with the Red Cross has not be examined. However, his position as a parliamentarian would have put him in contact with numerous charities. The story of St Andrews is not about the individual politicians, the drivers of the various repatriation schemes were the returned men themselves.

It is impossible to write about the returned service men with out traversing the two principal groups, these two groups over lap. The first is the Returned Serviceman’s Association (RSA) and the second is the self styled “uglies”. Chronologically the RSA were first, it was made up of returned service men,. It appears to be the precursor to the Returned Serviceman’s League (RSL). Something occurred in 1919 that led to the RSA disappearing from the scene, the organisations name was ‘phased out’. What prompted the change is not clear and is beyond the scope of this paper. It is proposed to deal with that issue at a later date as the RSA was a significant presence immediately after the end of the war. It was involved in the initial repatriation efforts that culminated among-st other things in the settlement at Pickering Brook. The soldiers who returned from the conflict were largely unimpressed with the state of affairs when they landed back in Australia. The RSA did the initial heavy lifting, the organisation built connections to get things done, but even they ran into road blocks and eventually battle fatigue. Then there is the ‘uglies’.

In similar fashion to the RSA and its morphing into the RSL, the story of the formation of the ‘uglies’ is beyond the scope of this paper. It is touched on in briefly in the biography of P.A. Connolly (Mizen, 2022). Connolly was a supporter of St Andrews both indirectly through his involvement with the Red Cross, but it is also highly likely he provided direct support through his personal charitable activities. Connolly became the Life Patron of the Ugly Mans Association (PAC, Call, 19 November 1920, Pg 3). Connolly was on the management committee of the Red Cross when it purchased St Andrews, having been elected as a life member in 1916 (News and Notes, West Australian, 11 February 1916, Pg.3).

Red Cross and St Andrews

The agitation for proper facilities for returned servicemen seems to have started around February 1917. At a civic reception it was noted that the RSA in the eastern States owned hospitals and convalescent homes, and it was hoped that the WA Branch of the RSA would soon have similar facilities (Civic Reception, South West Times, 15 February 1917, pg.3). There was a significant delay in the implementation of the associations wishes, it appears that there was a shortage of suitable facilities. However, a suitable property was located. On 9 April 1919 the Reparation Department announced that:

“After scouring the country for many miles around, looking for the most suitable site for a convalescent home” said Dr. Agnew, “we have made arrangements to acquire St. Andrew’s School at Kalamunda, the property of Mr. A. Sanderson, MLC ..and we were very fortunate in being able to secure such a satisfactory place, almost ready for occupation. The area of the land is 80 acres, and it is situated 2 1/4 miles from the railway station. It is intended to develop the establishment on the lines of a farm colony, at which soldiers will be brought back to normal-both physically and occupationally. Men, who through long periods of idleness in hospitals and convalescent homes have lost both the physical ability and the mental attitude for useful employment who have in fact developed what is often known as ‘hospitalism, will be given healthy mental and physical recreation, be re-taught the value of work and gradually restored to a normal and useful condition both of body and mind.

...

The Red Cross Society, which all over Australia has done such magnificent work for soldiers throughout the war, is prepared to stand by us now and give us magnificent help in the equipment and maintenance of these institutions. One in my position cannot speak too highly of the Red Cross, not merely for its financial and material help, but also for the splendid moral influence its women workers have had on the soldiers. In New South Wales, for example, the Red Cross Society is running all our homes for us--equipping, staffing and maintaining them under our supervision-and I am prepared to say they are running them better than we could do, and bringing to bear on the lives of the men a power for good that we could never hope to wield. I have no doubt that the society’s organisation in this, State will do all that is required of it in regard to these homes, as successfully as is being done in the Eastern States” (Incapacitated Soldiers, West Australian, 9 April 1919, pg 4).

The assistance provided by the Red Cross referred to in the article above appears to have been a general resolution of the Red Cross management committee to appropriate the sum of 20,000 pounds to purchase and equip convalescent homes and hostels. It further appears that from the principal sum, an amount of 9,000 pounds was allocated to purchase and equip St Andrews. It was however, stipulated that the facility revert back to the Red Cross when the Repatriation Commission had no further use for it. The Red Cross also under took to maintain and manage the various institutions in its portfolio. This included the organisation of a “Voluntary Aid Detachment” (V.A.D.) (Care of Disabled Soldiers, West Australian, 24 May 1919, Pg.7). (But see Mollie Skinner Appendix 1). There does not appear to be any detailed account of how the facility was operated, or the role of the V.A.D. It is assumed that the V.A.D under took the organisation of the social events. There are a number of reports of the activities and events going on at the facility.

In the report of the 9th April (above) it was noted the facility was to be run along the lines of a farm. This was given a further explanation in July. The facility was to be a convalescent home, it was not compulsory. It would not take cases that required active medical treatment. The facility would provide work from 1 to 4 hours daily. This would allow a gradual return to physical fitness (Repatriation, West Australian, 23 July 1919, pg.6). It immediately became clear that visiting the hospital would be an issue.

In August it was reported that a local returned soldier had put on a ‘motor service’ between Kalamunda and the hospital. The report states that the unnamed individual was going to meet all trains and had placed a time table at the respective ends of the journey. The object being to facilitate visits to Lesmurdie Falls and to allow families to visit the soldiers at St Andrews. Arrangements were also made to allow visitors to obtain refreshments (Kalamunda, Swan Express, 29 august 1919, Pg.4). There does not appear to be any follow up reports to indicate whether or not this service actually materialised when the hospital became operational.

The West Australian reports that first substantial intake of returned soldiers was on the 8th September 1919. It was also noted that the staff at St Andrews were all war veterans and were employed by the Department of Repatriation. The report again made mention of the object of the hospital being to return men to fitness and then to return them to work. The report states that:

“...to this end outdoor exercise will be encouraged. Active sports such as football, cricket, tennis, boxing, medicine ball, etc., will be available, and the erection of a gymnasium hall has been proposed, all with the object of using and strengthening limbs rendered idle for long periods through war injuries.

...

For the present St. Andrew’s will be open to the public on Sundays. Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and the question of a suitable train service is receiving consideration”(Repatriation, West Australian, 8 September 1919, Pg 4).

The following was published in the Daily News 16 September 1919: “Unsolicited testimonials are always the best evidence, and the following private - letter received by the secretary of the Fremantle RSA (Mr. Harold Abbott) from a patient at St. Andrew’s (Military) Convalescent Home, Kalamunda, was not sent for publication. It reads: —

‘Just a line to let you know that I have arrived at the home O.K., and like it very much. There are only 11 men here at present (September 12), but more are expected daily. Whoever selected the staff could not have picked better ones. The matron stands on her own, and nothing whatever is too good for the boys. The sisters are most kind, and full praise can also be given them. They are all good sports, and quite different from the usual hospital sisters. It is a lovely place here, very quiet of course, but we can always find something to do — chopping wood, getting the tennis court ready. We expect a lot of V.A.D’s up to-day. Everything is scrupulously clean, plenty of good food, and you do as you like. In the course of a day or so everything we require will be supplied. Everyone here but the wardsmaids, cook, and laundress, belong to the RSA, and we are a happy family” (Kalamunda Home Appreciated, Daily News, 16 September 1919, Pg 4).

This patient above, is noted to be anonymous, one patient is internationally known. That patient is known through the international literary cannon:

“BEFORE moving to Perth for a year in 1994, I know that Lawrence and Frieda had stayed at Mollie Skinner’s guesthouse, Leithdale, at Darlington outside of Perth, and that Lawrence had subsequently rewritten Mollie’s novel, The Boy in the Bush. I also knew that Mollie Skinner’s returned WWI injured veteran brother, Jack, on whom she based the hero of The Boy in the Bush, moved to Darlington from his returned soldier settlement farm at Kalamunda in the Hills, when Mollie took up residence at Leithdale” (emphasis added) (Darroch, 2017). See also Appendix 1 below.

On the 3rd October the Swan Express reports that the hospital had 16 occupants. The facility was managed by Mrs Hood and the matron was Mrs Newton. The report also contains reference to proposed new buildings that would raise the population to 70. The Darling Range Road Board was reported to be dealing with the perennial problem of train timetables (Kalamunda, Swan Express, 3 October 1919, Pg.4). It is not clear where the source of funds for the new buildings came from. The construction of the proposed new buildings was commenced on the 2nd January 1920.

The ceremony for the laying of the foundation stones for the new buildings took place on the 2nd January 1920. A large number of Kalamunda residents turned out for the ceremony, together with a contingent of prominent “city dwellers”. The job of setting the first stone fell to the newly elevated Baronett Birdwood, the stone being a block of Donnybrook freestone. With the first stone set it is stated that:

“The Chaplain-General (Archbishop Riley), in asking General Hobbs to lay the second foundation stone, said that the inmates of the institution would be delighted, that the stone on inside of their entrance had been laid by their great Commander in-chief, and that the stone on the other side had been-laid by their great Western Australian leader. (Applause.) As he had attended other foundation stone layings, where the stones had subsequently been removed in order to steal the coins placed beneath them, he would point out that on this occasion the cavity under each stone contained only a “bob” (Laughter,)

Afternoon tea was subsequently served to all the visitors, who were given facilities for making a thorough inspection of the premises. The existing building, which affords somewhat crowded accommodation for the present 38 inmates, forms the rear portion of what is intended to be a quadrangular block, with a large square paved courtyard in the centre, containing a fountain and surrounded by verandahs. The additions will complete the quadrangle, and will provide ample accommodation for 80 convalescents, and the whole of the necessary staff. It is intended to make an early start with the work, which will he carried out in sections, in order that necessary accommodation may be made available as soon as possible. As in the purchase of the property, the Red Cross is providing the funds for the additions which will be executed in local stone and brick” (Soldier Convalescents, West Australian, 3 January 1920, Pg 7).

The hospital was one part of the Repatriation Commission’s brief. The evidence above refers to the hospital being run to include a limited amount of work each day. The legal framework that governed the scope of the Repatriation Commissions also included establishing various business including sawmills and other industries (Repatriation, West Australian, 16 August 1917, Pg.6). It appears that there were a number of proposals to utilise the powers to create industries. The first was a proposal to create a woolen mill. This collapsed due to the cost and the extended time frame to deliver the equipment necessary to process wool (RSA West Australian 8 January 1920, Pg.5). The second, was a proposal to establish a butter factory (Dairy Farming at Jandakot, Fremantle Times, 9 January 1920, Pg.1). The third proposal was to construct a saw mill.

RSA Saw Mill

The mill was set up as a co-operative controlled and operated by returned soldiers. The mill was on Canning Road Walliston. The mill came about despite departmental red tape (Soldiers and Sailors, Sunday Times, 22 February 1920, Pg.5). The precise location of the RSA mill is not clear. The boundary for Millar’s exclusive timber cutting license would have been close to the proposed mill. This may have caused the bureaucratic issues referred to. The mill would have to have been approved by the Forest Department. The Forest Department would have had to ensure that the mill would not interfere with Millar’s operations at Barton’s Mill. At this time Millar’s 100,000 acre exclusive timber milling license was still in place. These issues were evidently resolved. The mill was officially opened by The Minister for Lands – Mr F.S Willmott on Thursday 26th February 1920. Also present were Mr. W. R. Nairn, M.L.A, the Deputy Comptroller of Repatriation (Lieutenant Colonel Tilney), the Chief Inspector of the Repatriation Department (Major Barrett), the controller of the Soldiers Settlement Board (Mr. McLarty) Messrse. W. A. Woodham and J. R. Butler (chairman and secretary, respectively of the Perth sub-branch of the RSA). Capt. Parkes (chairman of the local repatriation committee) (RSA Enterprise, West Australian 27 February 1920, Pg 5). It is evident that the mill was part of the wider repatriation project. It is not clear from any of the media reports in relation to the mill, whether or not, it was officially part of the provision of work aspect of the St Andrews project. The Perth Branch of the RSA, J.R. Butler in particular, had close ties to St Andrews and were responsible for the planing, construction and commissioning of the mill.

The mill was situated on about 600 acres on land belonging to Mr Arnott The cost of the plant, equipment and installation was about 900 pounds. This was in the form of loans shared equally between the repatriation committee, the State Government, and the Perth Branch of the RSA. Water for the mill was drawn from a well about fifty feet deep near the mill (RSA Enterprise, West Australian 27 February 1920, Pg 5). There are other conflicting reports regarding ownership of the land.

The mill is staffed by a team of six, three in the bush felling and hauling logs, the balance at the mill to operate the machinery. Mr. Butler observed that the mill would be able to supply standardised settlers homes 25 pounds cheaper than other sources. He also noted that the mill could supply furniture grade she oak, and timber for fruit packing cases. Following the opening the delegation inspected St Andrews Convalescent Home (RSA Enterprise, West Australian 27 February 1920, Pg 5). The chief purpose of the mill was to cut “scantlings, weather boards and pickets”, the timber to be used in the construction of soldiers homes in the newly opened soldiers settler scheme in Piesse Brook. After this it was intended to make standard two room houses (RSA Enterprise, West Australian 27 February 1920, Pg 5). It is not clear whether the houses were to be in kit form or whether it was intended to extend the scheme to erect the homes on site. There is a distinct possibility there is an overlap between the mill and the homes built by the Ugly Mens Association referred to in Mizen’s paper on PA Connolly, this needs further investigation. As noted previously, in addition to work, recreation was also a feature of the rehabilitation. Sport was played in various forms.

Sport in the form of football and cricket played by teams from St Andrews appears in the news reports of the day. It was sport at St Andrews that brought about one of the worst motor vehicle accidents the state has seen. The West Australian records the details:

“ The worst motor disaster ever recorded in Western Australia occurred yesterday evening, when a Ford lorry, carrying 29 persons, crashed into an embankment when returning city wards from Kalamunda. Two women were killed outright and a third succumbed to her injuries while being re moved to Perth. The ill-fated party consisted of a team of Fremantle cricketers and their friends who had left Fremantle in the morning to play a match against the soldier inmates of the St. Andrew’s Convalescent Home at Kalamunda. A motor lorry to convey the party had been hired from F. W. Churcher, baggage agent, of Fremantle, who acted as chauffeur,. The vehicle was only a one ton lorry, but it was made to accommodate the 29 persons forming the party. All went well until the excursionists were about a mile out of Kalamunda on the return journey, which was commenced about 6.30. It seems that at this point something went wrong with the brakes, and that for about three-quarters of a mile of down grade the lorry was practically out of control.

The disaster occurred at a spot known as Chinaman’s Gully, which already had a sinister reputation. It was at this point some mouths ago that Miss Maxwell met her death owing to a motor car overturning, and the jury on that occasion found that no blame was attachable to the driver of the car. At Chinaman’s Gully the road takes a sharp turn on a steep incline, and in the most favourable circumstances a car requires skillful handling. On the right hand side there is considerable slope from the crown of the road to the water-table, and the embankment then rises abruptly to a height of a couple of feet.

An examination of the road after last night’s accident a showed that the wheels of the lorry had skidded on this slope. The car mounted the embankment and crashed into a tree growing at its edge, the very tree which was struck by the car in which Miss Maxwell was driving when she met her death. The impact was terrific. The passengers were hurled from the lorry which did not overturn, but was turned completely round. The scene viewed after the accident was a terribly gruesome one, the mangled and bleeding bodies of the victims being strewn over the ground and far up the embankment; while the cries and groans of the injured were heartrending. Not more than half an hour afterwards Dr. Morgan Richards, of Kalamunda, accompanied by Nurse Denham, arrived, and worked with splendid energy in binding up fractured limbs and giving what relief was possible to those who were not past human aid. Meanwhile the police of Perth and suburbs had been advised, and in a very short time Dr. Richards was joined in his work of mercy by Dr. Clark, of Midland Junction, and Dr. Pitcher, of Guildford, while Sergeants O’Halloran and Constable Hulme, of Guildford, and Sergeants Smith and Lewis, of Perth, with first aid equipment, reinforced the local residents who were giving such assistance as was possible to the medical men. Fires were lit, and the sufferers were made as comfortable as the circumstances would permit. In respect of transport, however, there was serious lack of provision. Such of the patients as could sit up were sent away in motor cars, but after 11 o’clock last night eight or ten severely injured were still lying on their backs by the roadside.

The accident occurred at 6.30, and it was 9 o’clock when the fire brigade ambulance reached the scene. By that time two children and nine other person, had been sent away in motor cars. The ambulance took four more, but not till an hour later did a second ambulance arrive. This was a horse vehicle from Victoria Park, and considering that it was drawn by a single horse the driver had done well to reach the scene by 10 o’clock. Two persons were removed in this vehicle, and the Subiaco motor ambulance, which arrived 20 minutes later, took two more. It was not, however, until after 11 that another ambulance arrived - the Fire Brigade vehicle on its second trip-and the last of the injured were got away about 11.30. The-delay reveals the utter incapacity of existing provisions for such an emergency.

It was impossible last night to ascertain the names of the whole of the victims. Quite a number of the passengers sustained concussion of the brain, several had fractured limbs, and others received injuries to the spine. Even the exact number, of persons on the lorry is uncertain, but apparently there were three babies in addition to 19 older persons. One of these babies was dangerously injured, but the other two practically escaped injury. The three babies were taken in charge by Policewoman Dugdale, who went out with the police party from Perth, and she took them all to the Children’s Hospital. The police cars also removed a number of other injured before the ambulance arrived.

The Mann family, of Marmion street, Fremantle, suffered most severely. Mrs. Mann, senior, was killed outright, and also her daughter Eileen, aged 16 years. Mrs. Mann, junior, was injured and her husband and his sister Bessie, were seriously injured. Another sister escaped injury, and so did the baby.

Miss Lily Gibson (15) died on the way to the St. Ives Hospital, Guildford.

Most of the patients were admitted to the Perth Public Hospital, where, at an early hour this morning seven were on the dangerous list, Edward Irving, Frederick Noel Gibson, Lily Swinson, Bessie Mann, Roy Mann, Henry Wilkinson and a man, name unknown.

Among the other injured were three brothers McGlashan, Aubrey White, of 59 High-street, Fremantle; Mrs. Ferguson and two daughters, of Holland-street, Fremantle; Harry Gardener, of Amer-street, Fremantle; and Edward Clark, of 576 Highstreet. Fremantle.

Among the more fortunate was the driver Churcher, who was however, badly bruised and suffering from shock. When asked to account for how the accident occurred, he confessed that his recollection was by no means clear. He remembers only that when the car rounded the bend, the tyres skidded on the rough gravel near the embankment. He succeeded in clearing the tree with the front portion of the lorry, but the back portion struck, and the whole party was thrown from the vehicle” (Motor Disaster, West Australian, 19 April 1920, Pg 5).

The death toll slowly mounted. On April 20 the death toll was four (Terrible Motor Smash, Geraldton Guardian, 20 April 1920, Pg.3). On the 21st it was 5 (Motor disaster, Albany Advertiser, 21 April 1829, Pg 3). On the 25th it was 6 (Dashed to Destruction, Sunday Times 25th April, 1920, Pg.1). The Sunday Times lays out how the accident laid bare the total lack of emergency facilities. However, the resulting fallout is more important. The Western Australian published the following:

“The recent disastrous accident on the Kalamunda road has directed public attention to the necessity for the establishment, of an efficient and centrally controlled ambulance service. When interviewed yesterday by a representative of the ‘West Australian,’ Mr. J. K. Campbell, honorary general secretary to the St. John Ambulance Association, said that the association had long felt the lack of a proper medical ambulance van which could be available to anyone at any emergency. The loss of life which was occasioned through the inability of patients to obtain comfortable and ready transit to a hospital or a medical man, was not apparent to the general public. There should be a van controlled by some central authority and which would provide not only for accidents but medical and even infectious cases and it was the aim of the St. John Ambulance Association to secure such a vehicle. Through the generous efforts of the Ugly Men’s Association the association had already secured a block of land in Irwin-street, which was conveniently situated and on this site it was the intention to erect a central depot. The enterprise would cost at the outset £2,000 and when established the association would require an annual income of £600 for its maintenance. The Fire Brigade ambulance, was controlled, was of an even more unsatisfactory nature than the public were aware of, and although doing good work it was seriously handicapped. In the first place the van was maintained by the voluntary donations from various local authorities and race clubs. The difficulty of maintenance was somewhat lightened by the fact that the firemen were rendering excellent service in the fixing of repairs and the general upkeep of the car. In the second place the motor at present in use has done the maximum amount of work which could be expected of any car, , and its scope was seriously handicapped by increasing unreliability. The association had in mind for several years past the necessity for providing a van, but owing to the lack of public support nothing had been done to organise a public appeal. The association itself was not a body with considerable financial backing, but with financial help and public support it would be only too willing to undertake the establishment of an efficient and centrally controlled ambulance service. When the suggestion of the an ambulance service was referred to Dr. Holland a member of the council of St John Ambulance Association by a representative of the ‘West Australian’ he stated the necessity of an ambulance for medical cases at the present time, he said the Fire Brigade Ambulance was not equipped to remove medical cases except to the Perth public hospital and in cases of emergency improved ambulance facilities were usually arranged. This practice was dangerous as it was unreliable and something should be done to provide an ambulance for the conveyance of medical cases from a private house to a private hospital” ( Ambulance Service, West Australian, 21 April 1920, Pg.7) (emphasis added).

The response to the accident can be divided into two parts. The first, is that the accident triggered the formation of a proper ambulance service. St John took control of the Perth ambulance service on 1 July 1922 (https://stjohnwa.com.au/about-us/our-history/st-john-historical-timeline accessed 14/12/2022). The second, there were substantial efforts made to support the victims and their families. There is a record in the media regarding those activities which were driven by the Fremantle community. There does not appear to be anything in the media with respect to the effect of the accident on those at St Andrews.

The practical reality was that transport to and from St Andrews was an issue, however it appears that someone was paying attention, on the 19th May it was reported that Mr Butler of the Perth Branch of the now RSL had secured the donation of an 8 seater Studebaker for the purpose of taking the soldiers at the various facilities - St Andrews, Keane’s Point and Woorolooon on outings. In order to make the vehicle fit for the soldiers to use some alterations were required. Those alterations were completed and the car taken up to St Andrews. The RSL were also provided with 200 pounds for running expenses (Motor Car For The Convalescents, Daily News, 19 May 1920, pg.6). It was further reported in June 1920 the Perth Branch of RSL had secured a motor car for the use of the soldiers at St Andrews, but also at Woorooloo Sanatorium and the ANZAC Hostel at Keane’s Point. The car was rostered for a week at each of the sites. A letter from Sister Bruton to Mr J.C. Butler of the Perth Branch states :

“We have all had a very nice time with the car, and I wish to thank your branch for the men and the staff. The driver has been most kind. I am afraid he has not worked ‘union’ hours, as he has been up early to take the men to the train, and out late with a concert party. We are all looking forward to his return’’ (Car for Convalescent Men, Daily News, 7 June 1920, Pg 6).

It was also noted that Mr. Feakes and the car had traveled some 865 miles in the week. This indicates that the external activities were extensive when transport was available. It was next rostered at Woorooloo (Car for Convalescent Men, Daily News, 7 June 1920, Pg.6). It is assumed that the car in both reports is the same vehicle. It is probable that the car was supplied by Paddy Connolly.

There are numerous reports after the Kalamunda Road accident that indicate that sporting activities resumed shortly afterwards. The following is a sample. Kalamunda and St Andrews played resulting in a win to Kalamunda (Cricket, West Australian, 14 March 1922, Pg 8). The report does not indicate were the game was played Kalamunda Cricket Club were presented with the Darling Range Cricket Association Shield following a tie with St Andrews Cricket Club (District News, Swan Express, 29 June 1923, Pg 3). At this point things at St Andrews were winding down.

From the Federal governments perspective there was insufficient need to retain the property exclusively for soldiers (Soldiers Home, Sunday Times, 21 December 1924, Pg 11). This was not the view taken by the RSL. The RSL protested to the Federal Government. At the time of closure there were 27 men in occupation. The RSL pointed out that there was an ongoing need to provide care for men who had been gassed (City Notes, Midlands Advertiser, 11 April 1924, Pg.1.). It appears the protest fell on deaf ears. St Andrews was closed on the 31st October 1924 (Soldiers Home, Sunday Times, 21 December 1924, Pg 11). There was a postscript to the Red Cross and St Andrews story in 1926.

In 1926 a Royal Commission was appointed to enquire into the allocation and expenditure of ‘war patriotic funds’. Generally the Red Cross were commended for their work, however there was a mild rebuke in relation to the expenditure of 16,000 pounds on St Andrews. It is likely this refers to the funds expended on the 1920 additions. The upshot of the Royal Commission was the recommendation that the Commonwealth Government refund the sum of 16,000 pounds to the Red Cross (Western Australian, Report of Royal Commission Appointed to Inquire into and Report upon War Relief Funds (1926), Pg 3). At this point the Red Cross still owned the property. Its closure as a repatriation hospital was not the end of the property’s use as a hospital.

On the Saturday 4th April 1925 the Soldiers Convalescent Home was handed over to the management committee of the Perth Hospital. Lady Campion as President of the Red Cross handed the keys to Mr Hawkins, the chairman of the Perth Hospital’s management board. The Governor, Sir William Campion then “unlocked the gates and proceeded to the spacious quadrangle in the centre of the building where he made the official opening declaration”. Perth Hospital took the lease from the Red Cross at “pepper corn” rental. The the property was operated as an auxiliary to the Perth Hospital (An Auxiliary Hospital, Swan Express 10 April 1925, Pg.2). The operation of St Andrews in its auxiliary hospital phase was not examined as pat of this paper, however the Red Cross sold the property in 1929. The sale proceeds were credited to the relevant society accounts (Red Cross Society, West Australian, 11 October, 1929, pg 8).

Conclusions

St Andrews Hospital is significant for the reasons set out below:

1. St Andrews played a vital part in the rehabilitation of returned soldiers who served in WWI.

2. The hospital was one of only three such facilities in the state;

3. The hospital provided employment as it was staffed by returned service personnel who were members of the RSA/RSL;

4. The hospital was made possible by the Red Cross and its decision making committee which included P.A. Connolly, the whole of the Red Cross Committee from this period is historically important and should be named;

5. Significant alterations took place while the building belonged to the Red Cross to accommodate additional personnel for rehabilitation;

6. The foundation stones of the additional buildings were laid by significant members of the defense force, namely Birdwood and Hobbs;

7. Significant community support as provided to the returned soldiers by way of a “Voluntary Aid Detachment” (VAD).

8. At the end of the repatriation phase the facility served as an axillary to the Perth Hospital;

9. The RSA wood mill formed part of the Repatriation program and is significant as it provided employment and training for returned service men and provided building material for returned service personnel and their families;

10. There is a relationship between the RSA Mill and St Andrews;

11. The accident that occurred after the St Andrews cricket match is significant as it resulted in the formation of a co-ordinated ambulance service operated by St John Ambulance service.

Recommendations

1. In the motto of the RSL: Lest we forget, the existing listing be amended to give full recognition to the hospitals role in rehabilitating the returned soldiers of WWI. The hospital is significant for the reasons set out above.

2. P.A. Connolly be acknowledged as board member to Red Cross as decision making body that purchased the facility (all Red Cross board members are significant historic individuals in their own right and should be named).

3. The Red Cross alterations be referred to in the listing including the connections to Birdwood and Hobbs.

4. RSA Mill be listed in its own right – subject to there being further work to properly locate it, but the respective listing ought to recognise the relationship between the two sites..

5. There be a follow up to investigate the provision of kit form homes from the RSA Mill and to examine whether or not:

5.1 any of those homes were built in Pickering Brook as part of the repatriation project in Pickering Brook and if so whether any survive;

5.2 any of the homes were built by the Ugly Mans Association as part of their activities to provide homes to war widows and their children were source from the RSA Mill.

6. There be an attempt to verify the claim in the quotation at the beginning of this paper regarding the status as the first motoring competition in the state, if it can be verified it be included in the listing.

7. There be an acknowledgment in regard to the accident and the formation of the St John Ambulance Service.

Appendix 1

See https://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/A4438?mainTabTemplate=agentWorksBy

Co authored with D H Laurence. Why hasn’t Kalamunda claimed her like Mundaring has Cathrine Susannah Prichard? Where was her parents home ? Is it Place 163 ? If it is why no mention of Mollie? Where was Jack Skinners Farm? – Important as the Jack was the subject of the Boy in the Bush.

Mollie Skinner

“LETTERS OF A V.A.D.

Miss Mollie Skinner, daughter of the late Colonel Skinner and Mrs. Skinner, of Kalamunda, has written a very interesting book, “Letters of a V.A.D.,” under the pen name of R. E. Leake. The book is published by Andrew Melrose, Ltd., London and is a series of letters written during a year of strenuous war work at the front to a much loved friend. The writer possesses that true gift of casting the glamour of reality overall that she has to tell, and the letters from first to last ring true. The reader literally lives the thoughts, emotions, interests, sympathies, and sorrows of the nurse, first on the transport, then in the base hospital, and on at the front, seeing through her eyes the tender touches of humour, the deep tones of tragedy, the living light of supreme heroism which literally glorifies not only the sufferings of the men,but the work that is accomplished for them, by the medical, surgical, and nursings staff on active service. The writer has a very tender and intensive knowledge of human nature, a clear power of characterisation, and a great sympathy with natural loveliness. One of the interesting aspects of a very interesting book is the basic foundation of the reality of the spiritual which dawns increasingly upon the Red Cross nurse with every new experience with which she is confronted, and is linked throughout to a vital interest in Roman Catholic mysticism. The book bears the obvious imprint of actual experience, and is a very delicately drawn picture of events which reveal the infinite purpose weaving so exquisitely the rarest flowers of virtue, fidelity, fortitude, sympathy, brotherhood, out of the pain and the darkness; the agony of death. A very real crucifixion comes into the life of the Red Cross nurse through the cold criticism, the callous misunderstanding of her senior, “the Bloodless One,” and also through the love of the colonel-a charmingly drawn character, whose personal history, complicated by the tragedy of divorce, makes a story where principle has to fight its solitary and awful fight against inclination and happiness through the pathos of infinite pain. The glorious courage of the black man, the senior surgeon, who finds himself at Gallipoli, and will not allow himself to be recommended for the honour he has won, is a side of life that has become real experience to many in all parts of the war world,who have come into close personal contact with the magnificent work of the Army Medical Corps. O’Shanessy the Irish Catholic soldier of supremely beautiful character and faith, so grievously wounded, will be recognised as a familiar figure by those who know the stuff of which our men are made. The writer, in speaking of the Australian soldiers says:“I love them. They are shy and modest,yet brave and bold, humble and unpretentious, yet exceedingly complacent and self-opinionated. A most peculiar mixture. The most horrible sin in their eyes is to be uppish, yet they are so magniloquent and pragmatical as a body that it is absolutely impossible to move them if they make up their minds. They have a terrible method, for instance, of “counting out” anything or anyone of whom they disapprove. This begins in deadly silence, and has in it the terror of concentrated mind. On these occasions a simultaneous current of thought seems to circulate through them, so that they begin to act together almost mechanically. At first boredom settles down on them, and gloom-the calm before the storm, then a wave of thought stirs the silence into a suppressed excitement, which culminates in a single voice which booms out ominously, ‘One.’ The thought wave and excitement are lost then in an over powering and awful silence, you could hear a pin drop. It reaches the senses of the offender. He wriggles. And then every son of the Empire at exactly the same second, hammers through the magnetic force with one single simple sound, ‘Two.’ The offender grows smaller; he loses all sense of ground. This is too tremendous for him. It is as if he was sinking irretrievably in a bog. ‘Three.’ “It is enough. He is non est. No one has ever been known to last out until seven. What would happen if he did? Don’t ask ME! says the Australian. “Conversely, as Euclid says,they have a most delightful method of appreciation which they showed to their beloved Anzac General who passed through here the other day! The troops heard that he would be on the train, and collected in groups about the station. No chance of them looking as if they were out to do him honour. I suppose they slouched about and hitched themselves on to fences and posts, and pulled their Gurkhahats over their eyes, and chewed straws, and put their thumbs in their belts. At any rate, just as their hero stepped from the train rang out a hundred or more voices in soft musical unison with no prelude at all, no frill, or flutter. ‘He’s a dear-old--boy.’ “No one could resent this, and if they did it was useless.” No one could stop it. You might as well try to stop the flow of a flooded stream. It happened again in another form when he reached the camp– and Voice spoke emphatically, endearingly appreciatively: ‘We want-we want-we want YOU.’ It was perfectly paced, perfectly sane, perfectly tranquil. ‘We want you.’ “How splendid for the general.” The book is to be heartily recommended, and no doubt many old Western Australian will feel a special interest in it, the authoress being a grand-daughter of the late Mr. George Leake and niece of the late Premier, Mr. George Leake. The key note of the book is sounded by Francis Thompson’s most beautiful ode. ‘The Hound of Heaven,” “Is my gloom, after all, shade of His hand outstretched caressingly. (Emphasis added) (West Australian 18 April 1919, Pg 6).

In addition with respect to the Skinner’s:

“The existing cottage still standing in 2017 is Brook Cottage built c1914 by a carpenter Robert Dinning. After he returned from WW1 he sold the cottage to a lady who owned it briefly, then the 3 acre property (part of Lot 24 of the Darlington subdivision 1241) was sold to Jack Skinner. In Mollies autobiography she mentions that the family were in Kalamunda where Jack had a Returned Soldier’s Settlement Scheme property and when he bought the property in Darlington he moved his mother’s cottage which was next to his farm in Kalamunda and placed it next door to his Brook cottage. His mother’s house was called Rose Cottage and looked identical to Brook being of a similar era. The naming of Rose Cottage may have nothing to do with flowers as Jessie’s middle name was “Rose”.

This would have been 1921 around the same time Mollie moved to Leithdale from her convalescent home called “Shirley” in Kalamunda, due to the owner wanting to sell the property. By Feb 1922 there is a newspaper article that has a smoke evening at Kalamunda in honour of Jack and mentions it’s because he’s moved to Darlington.” (Myles, ND,).

The Swan Express 24 February 1922: “KALAMUNDA.

An eager jovial and enthusiastic body of men gathered in the Kalamunda Agricultural Hall on Saturday night last to attend a complimentary smoke social to Mr. Jack Skinner, who has moved from the district to Darlington. The function, which was one of the most successful of its type held in Kalamunda was arranged by the local subbranch of the R.S.L, but was of a public character. The chairman of the sub-branch of the RSL.(Mr. E. A. Gray) presided. All toasts suitable to the occasion were honored, including that of “Parliament,” proposed by Mr. J. Bell and responded to by the member for the district (Mr. R. S. Sampson, MLA), and that of “The RSL,” proposed by Mr. A. R. Halleen and responded to by the secretary of the sub-branch (Mr. C. G. Rutherford). Tribute to the whole hearted regard of the people of the district for the guest was paid by the chairman. Messrs. R. S. Sampson. MLA for Swan. H. S. Hummerston (representing the district cricket teams), W. Wright,and others. With a happy accompanying speech, charged with plenty of local color, Mr. Sampson presented Mr. Skinner with a handsome leather traveling case on behalf of residents of the district. Mr. Skinner made suitable response. In addition to the inevitable batch of “Scotch” Jokes, the proceedings were brightened considerably by a musical programme contributed to largely by Mr Harry Little and Messrs J. Antoine. S. Smailes, and, others, the accompaniments being played by Mr. Evans. Before the conclusion of the function which was marked by a spirited singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” opportunity was taken, at the instance of Mr J. Bell, to extend a welcome to Mr. J. Payne, who is re-entering the district to take over Mr. Skinner’s farm at Lesmurdie” (KALAMUNDA. Swan Express 24 February 1922 Pg.5).

Reference List St Andrews Paper

Ambulance Service, West Australian, 21 April 1920, Pg 7.

An Auxiliary Hospital, Swan Express 10 April 1925, Pg 2.

Car for Convalescent Men, Daily News, 7 June 1920, Pg 6.

Care of Disabled Soldiers, West Australian, 24 May 1919, Pg 7.

City Notes, Midlands Advertiser, 11 April 1924, Pg 1.

Cricket, West Australian, 14 March 1922, Pg 8.

Civic Reception, South West Times,15 February 1917, pg 3.

Dairy Farming at Jandakot, Fremantle Times, 9 January 1920, Pg 1.

Darroch, 2017 URL https://www.dhlawrencesocietyaustralia.com.au/rananim_sept_2017_p3.html

Accessed 13/1/2023

Dashed to Destruction, Sunday Times 25th April, 1920, Pg 1.

District News, Swan Express, 29 June 1923, Pg 3.

Incapacitated Soldiers, West Australian, 9 April 1919, pg 4.

Kalamunda Home Appreciated, Daily News, 16 September 1919, Pg 4.

Kalamunda, Swan Express, 29 august 1919, Pg 4.

Kalamunda, Swan Express, 3 October 1919, Pg 4.

KALAMUNDA. Swan Express 24 February 1922 Pg 5

Motoring, West Australian, 17 April 1917, Pg 7.

Motor Car For The Convalescents, Daily News, 19 May 1920, pg 6.

Motor Disaster, West Australian, 19 April 1920, Pg 5.

Motor disaster, Albany Advertiser, 21 April 1829, Pg 3.

Mizen, D., (2022). Patrick Andrew Connolly NP (previously supplied)

Myles, L., ND, URL https://www.dhlawrencesocietyaustralia.com.au/rananim_sept_2017_p2.html Accessed 13/1/2023.

News and Notes, West Australian, 11 February 1916, Pg 3.

P.A.C. , Call, 19 November 1920, Pg 3.

Red Cross Society, West Australian, 11 October, 1929, pg 8.

Repatriation, West Australian, 8 September 1919, Pg 4.

Repatriation, West Australian, 23 July 1919, pg 6.

Repatriation, West Australian, 16 August 1917, Pg.

R.S.A. West Australian 8 January 1920, Pg 5.

R.S.A. Enterprise, West Australian 27 February 1920, Pg 5.

Soldiers and Sailors, Sunday Times, 22 February 1920, Pg 5.

Soldier Convalescents, West Australian, 3 January 1920, Pg 7.

Soldiers Home, Sunday Times, 21 December 1924, Pg 11.

St John Ambulance https://stjohnwa.com.au/about-us/our-history/st-john-historical-timeline Accessed 14/12/2022.

Terrible Motor Smash, Geraldton Guardian, 20 April 1920 Pg 3.

Western Australian, Report of Royal Commission Appointed to Inquire into and Report upon War Relief Funds (1926), Pg 3.