Recently I read a president's report, written following an international meeting and he stated that the success of the conference was due to the friendly co-operation of all the delegates participating. It was then mentioned what a success individual organisations could be with similar friendly co-operation within the particular organisation.

            The Shepparton Family History Group is such a friendly organisation and we all know how much easier it makes work for all volunteers.

            The recent seminar held in Shepparton by the Public Records Office was well attended and I am sure much was gained by attendees to further discuss at their future meetings avenues of research and improving our own collection.

            Our combined open day between the SFHG and the Historical centre held on the 30^th April was a great success, even with the inclement weather, one visitor was from Bonnie Doon.

            A number of special events are earmarked for the second half of 2006 and are listed below in Coming events.

Our group was very pleased to host a visit on the 13^th May from Pearl Collins of Echuca / Moama Family History Group. Both visitors and members took away either new methods of perhaps tracking down that missing ancestor or gaining some extra snippets about their lives from newspaper articles, obituaries, wills, administration papers, etc.

There were plenty of questions answered by the end of the day. Do you know what the correct meaning of "probate" is ? We do now!

If you missed Pearl's last visit, make sure you catch up at her next workshops in August. (See Coming Events for details)

•          FAMILY HISTORY BEGINNERS / INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP

Pearl Collins will be running two, 2 hour workshops at the Family History rooms.

Saturday August 12^th and Saturday August 26^th from 1.00-4.00 pm.

These days are a must for everyone contemplating making a start on researching their family history or for those who have started but need some extra help or direction. 

Cost: $15.00. (This includes both sessions, information notes and afternoon tea).

RSVP by August 9^th to ensure a place.   email:  shepfhg@fastmail.fm  

•          CORNISH ASSOCIATION of Victoria

Tom Luke will be conducting an information day at the Shepparton Public Library on 29^th July 2006 from 1.30 pm. For all those interested in Cornish family history come along and listen to one of Victoria's foremost speakers on all things Cornish.

•          PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE VICTORIA

SFHG have organised with the PROV to hold an information day at the Shepparton Library on Saturday 9^th September 2006 starting at 1.30 pm. The theme will be how to locate and view resources, relating to family history, at the PROV. These records include wills, probate and administration, inquests, shipping lists, education records, railways and much more. Afternoon tea will be available.

•    GMAGS EXPO  Sat 18^th November 2006

The annual Goulburn and Murray Association of Local and Family History Groups EXPO is on once again. It is essential that all members support this very worthwhile day to ensure that it continues to be a major Family History Expo in the Murray Goulburn region.

                  Venue: Mulwala and District Services Club Mulwala. Cost: $ 10 (includes guest speakers)

 Raffle for $200 in fuel vouchers. Visit: www.vicnet.net.au/~gmags for updates on the EXPO.

Recent Additions to SFHG library

Books:

Tabilk- A brief history of State School No 951 and the early district by John H Davey. Head Master 1868-1968.

The First Decade- All Saints Church of England Tatura by Eric Percy Evans.

Index to Numurkah Leader 1925 to 1929. by Anna Doncon.

Endurance and Motivation "Survives" by Frank Dullard for Lockington and District Back To 1997.

Our Genetic Inheritance by Eileen Torney (McManus).

The Labourers' Friends  Sisters of Mercy in Victoria and Tasmania by Maree G Allen R.S.M

Mooroopna Harness Racing Club 100 years by Kyle Galley.

Genealogical Research Directory  2006 edition.

Tracing Your Family Tree for Australians and New Zealanders by A.G.Puttock

The Anzacs  by Patsy Adam-Smith

The Victorian Story Vol 2 by Andrew Rutherford

Melbourne on My Mind, published by the ABC

The Pentonvillains by Ian Wynd

Rochester High School 1965

Gallipoli by Patsy Adam-Smith.

CD's: 

 Tasmanian Convicts.

Early Electoral Rolls Vol 2 Vic 1903, Qld 1903, S A 1909 (on order).

Newspaper Cuttings:

            Shepparton and District Hotels and Licensees -Newspaper cuttings and Index compiled by Joan Esam

Research Requests

LOUGHREY James Charles born 1850 died 1891 married 1883 to Alice Bridget Wright, b 1857, d 1926.

I would like to hear from any one researching Loughreys. Contact Joan via  shepfhg@fastmail.fm

Hopey WHAN was born c1810 and listed as the mother of Robert HACKNEY on Robert's Marriage cert. Robert's mother is listed as Esther Gilmer/ Gilmour on christening (1833Antrim, Ireland ) and death papers. Robert married Isabella Murray (b 1839) in 1862 at Collingwood , Victoria . I would like to hear from anyone with an interest in these surnames.      Contact Bob  via  shepfhg@fastmail.fm 

All Research Request information can be emailed to shepfhg@fastmail.fm

In 1875 the Mooroopna Hospital had its beginnings in a small hut on the north bank of the Goulburn river near the pumping station at Mooroopna. Mr Egbert Florence, the local chemist, helped out in times of need. Progress saw the first local doctor attend to patients in 1877 with nurse, Mrs Eatwell and the hotel keeper Mr John Hardy helping out patients at night when Dr Dowson couldn’t attend. Dr Trood was appointed surgeon to the hospital in 1880 until he resigned in 1892 and went to Melbourne . Dr J W Florance was house surgeon in 1892 and was associated with the hospital for 44 years. Mr and Mrs Black were the first house steward and matron followed by Mr and Mrs Jones in 1880. Mrs Brittingham was the next matron in 1895and locally trained nurse, Elsie Jones, took over as matron and held the position for many years with the exception of a few years when serving as a military nurse in WW1.

            The Mooroopna Hospital grew through the years to be one  of the largest hospitals in country Victoria. As far back as 1934 it was ranked 4^th behind Geelong , Ballarat and Bendigo. New hospital buildings opened in 1935. By the early 1970's the gradual shift over to the new Shepparton base hospital had begun with relocation of the maternity section. The hospital has grown to a very large and newly refurbished building, now known as G.V Health, catering for the needs of a wide variety of patients. How times have changed from the humble beginnings in the little hut by the river.  

Private Hospitals:

            It would appear that before 1910 there were many private institutions serving as maternity hospitals or a place where patients might receive medical attention by a doctor. Many of these places were run by either trained or uncertificated nurses.

            Dr Gaze had run a surgery in Nixon st for some years and in 1910 opened another building at the same place and this may be described as the earliest private hospital under a doctor's supervision.

            Sisters, Norman and Burrows conducted a private hospital in Vaughan st, west of the railway line, and known as " Guildford " private hospital. A private hospital in Hayes st was known as "The Vaughan".

            Dr Grutzner purchased the brick home of the late P. McNamara in Corio st and the " Guildford " was transferred to this location some years later. This site was eventually the site for the new "UNA" (United Nurses Association) hospital which still stands today but is used for other purposes.

            There was a private hospital on the south side of Knight st, near Skene st and was the original "UNA" that was closed c 1920 and Sister A.C.Holland then moved the hospital to the premises of the late Dr Gaze. This building stood at the corner of Nixon and Marungi streets. The premises were enlarged from surgery and private residence to become the "UNA" hospital. Irene Kinnane and Lottie Martin were two of the nurses to work there. Sister Holland after some time in charge disposed of the business to Sister M Farrell and retired to Melbourne . Sister Farrell’s working partner was Sister Fuller who left in 1929 to marry Mr Roy Callender.

 Dr Grutzner built a new "UNA" hospital in Corio st, it opened in 1936 as a state of the art private hospital with Sister M Farrell taking charge  (Shepparton News 1936).

            "Ambermere", described as a fine brick residence on the N/W corner of Corio and Orr Streets, built by Mr Mathew Grant (solicitor), later owned by Mr D C Morrison (solicitor) then converted to a private hospital with the most modern facilities of the time (c mid 1930's). The building is now occupied by "The Bridge".

            The Shepparton Private Hospital formerly known as "The Sherbourne" private hospital is situated in Fitzgerald st and has operated for about 25 years. This has also been upgraded and expanded and now has doctors consulting rooms and after hours clinic as well as a radiology clinic.  

Information references:

"History of Shepparton 1838-1938" by C W S James:

"Shepparton News":    

------------------------------------------------

The following page contains items and advertisements from the "Shepparton News".

New UNA Hospital , Jan 1936.   Sister Holland Obituary, April 1954.     Hospital Ad’s, 1916 

-----------------------------------------

DR GAZE'S SURGERY AND PRIVATE HOSPITAL , SHEPPARTON  

Dr GAZES SURGERY is a fine handsome room, lighted by bay windows where are special eye-testing apparatus. Dr Gaze being the only oculist in the Goulburn Valley possessing apparatus for treating the nose, ear and throat. The surgical furniture is all white enamelled iron with glass shelving whilst the examination couch is of elaborate structure, capable of being placed in fifteen different positions. Beneath are drawers for instruments and swinging trays for salutions, dressings etc. The walls are almost completely covered by oil paintings, the whole making what is stated to be the handsomest and most complete surgical consulting room in Victoria .

THE ELECTRICAL ROOMS

          The Electrical Rooms now in course of enlargement contain the following apparatus, some of which is seen in the accompanying photo: on the right of which is the great Static Machine This machine generates a special form of high-tension current, which by adjustment can be modified into several distinct modalities. Its special uses are curative in nearly all forms of nerve diseases, even to neuresthenia and commencing insanity. one of its modalities is a cure for the modern disease Arterio Sclerosis and high blood pressure, whilst another current has lately been demonstrated to be the only reliable cure for diabetes.

          The large apparatus in the centre is the Snook Rontgen Generator, wherewith the X-Rays have been made absolutely perfect, both in quality and intensity of rays so that every cranny and crevice of the human frame is lit up; one can even see the valves of the heart work, the muscles of the stomach acting upon the food, the organs of speech articulating the human voice and many other wonders. The compiler believes this machine is the only one of its kind in Australia .

           Behind the Snook is the Jackson High Frequency Machines, which represent the best, for generating this remarkable modality, whereby a current can be sent through the human frame so strong as to light an electric lamp held in the patients hand, and yet so mild that he does not feel the current.

          To the left is a large coil for generating the X-Rays and ultra violet light which globes are not seen. The little machine in front of the Snook is a "multim in parvo". One part is specially adapted to massage the eye and ear by compressed-air currents; hence it is called a Pneumasser. For massaging the joints, organs and muscles is a powerful electro vibrator; by  the turn of another  switch, Dr Gaze can illuminate lamps for examining the cavities of the body; another switch gives the electric cautery; yet another the sinusoidal electric current now largely in vogue for restoring power to parallelised muscles; whilst yet another gives the alternating current for treatment of electric power.

          Dr Gaze is obtaining some excellent results by electric ionization , whereby the medicament to be used is electrically carried right to the very seat of the disease in place of being swallowed and going into the whole system. The Leucodescent 500 candle-power electric lamp has its many and special uses. With this the doctor has cured without operation every case of appendicitis which has come to him for treatment.

          The compiler has gone but slightly into the splendid electrical instruments possessed by Dr Gaze. They are probably valued at some  £1,500 and it is questionable if any doctor in the Commonwealth has gone more thoroughly into electrical work than Dr Gaze. A valuable quantity of radium has been obtained and is in daily use in the curing of cancer, lupus, etc.

Extract from "Prosperous and Progressive Shepparton" by J Edward Robertson.

The Internet

Web Site of Interest

Google Earth.    http://earth.google.com/ 

This is more an experience than a web page. Google have put together satellite photographs of every square metre of the earth's surface and provided a free downloadable viewing program. This allows us to view any place on earth we choose in detail (the picture resolution varies depending on the area). Arm yourself with a good atlas or roadmap covering the area of your ancestor's birthplace and you will be able to take a virtual tour of their district. If that area is covered by a high resolution image you may be able to see the church where they were married or even the cemetery they are buried in. A broadband connection is necessary to take advantage of the full potential of the program.

Warning: This site can be very addictive so be wary of your providers download limits.

Save The Census! 

            On Tuesday 8^th August make sure you, and your friends, tick YES for Question 60 to ensure your census is kept for future generations of genealogists. Not ticking the box will see your census destroyed.

-------------------------------------------

Women's Suffrage Petition of 1891  

This petition was signed by women from all areas of the state in 1891 as they fought for women to be allowed the right to vote. There were nearly 30,000 signatures from women aged over 21, from all walks of life. The petition has been digitised and can be viewed at www.parliament.vic.gov.au/WomensPetition and the data base searched. The Shepparton Family History Group has a printout of the 129 women from Shepparton who signed this petition. Come in and check out this list of local names.

-------------------------------------------

Have We Been Busy?  

            During the past five months we have had 277 members and visitors sign in to do research at the rooms. Our financial members are taking advantage of free research time, ($5.00 for non members), access to our lending library and the twice yearly newsletter. We not only have local family history information but also many state, interstate, overseas, cemetery and school records.

 Please visit our rooms where a free cuppa and bikkies are available for researchers.

-----------------------------------------------------

Contributions Please!  

                        To ensure that our newsletter contains interesting items of local information we need input from our readers. Items you may have for sale pertaining to family history eg, Computer programs, Genealogy Books etc, or maybe an article on your families early contribution to the Goulburn Valley area.

            Please send information to our P.O. Box or leave at our club rooms.

Books for Sale  

Book 1 "Early Families of Shepparton and District"  is available to purchase from the SFHG. There are 135 family stories from early days in the Goulburn Valley . Price: $25.00 -------------------------- Book 2 compiled by the SFHG contains 70 stories, over 50 photographs and also articles of historical value relating to the beginning of the irrigation scheme in the Shepparton area in the early 20th century. It is a valuable historical reference and social history of life in the Shepparton area prior to the 1930’s .The index contains some 700 entries.      Price:   $20.00 P & P is $8.00 for up to 3 books.

Meeting and Research Times

Shepparton Family History Group inc  

Address:                      154 Welsford St. Shepparton (Cnr Welsford and High St )

Post:                            P.O.Box 1529 Shepparton. Vic .3632

Internet:                    www.vicnet.net.au/~shepfh      email: shepfhg@fastmail.fm

Meeting Times:           8.00pm Third Wednesday of each month at the SFHG  Rooms

Research Times:           Every Wednesday  12.30 pm to 3.30 pm.        

Even Dated Sundays  1.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

                                    Odd Dated Fridays   10.00 am to 1.00 pm.

Fees :                           $5.00 joining fee (once only), plus $25 per annum single or $45 double.