The Sunshine League was founded by “Uncle Tom” at The Daily News newspaper in Western Australia on the 18 May, 1907 for children. Approximately a year after the establishment of the Sunshine League, 1000 children who were known as “nieces” and “nephews” had joined to assist in fostering acts of kindness throughout the community.
The Sunshine League was open to all children regardless of their cultural and religious background and aged up to 18 years. To become a member the children wrote to Uncle Tom (and later Auntie Nell) which was free. The children who joined were able to become involved in a number of ways that included writing to the paper and attempting to win prizes, donating money, performing in concerts to raise money for various charities, and growing flowers to take on visits to charities.
The Sunshine League had an emblem, motto and song. The aim was “Training children in acts of kindness and love, believing that such acts bring blessings to themselves and others.” The motto was “There is nothing greater or more beautiful in all there world than kind deeds and humblest child can do them.” The activities and money raised was recorded and published in The Daily News newspaper on a regular basis making the charity fully accountable. By 1910, Uncle Tom had left The Daily News newspaper the role was taken on by a number women journalists who edited the page as Auntie Nell and later Peg Peggotty.
July 1907
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, — I intended writing to you last week to ask you to put my name on the Sunshine Roll, but I had a very troubled week with toothache. On Saturday I went and got the tooth pulled out, so I am glad to say I have had a peaceful time since. My little brother Louis and I have a little garden between us; he is only seven, and has not written to you yet, but I wonder is it too late for us to be put on the garden roll? We will both look after our garden, and hope to have some nice flowers by-and-bye. Hoping to find you well, as this leaves us at present, —I remain, your loving nephew,
Willie Harrison;- aged-, 9 1/3
Dear Willie,— You are both in plenty of time for taking part in the Sunshine scheme, and I have put your names on the roll. Isn’t toothache an awful pain? I remember when I was a little boy my father used to pull out my troublesome teeth with a small pair of pincers, and people in the next street could hear my yells. Decaying teeth should be either pulled out or stopped. I hope you will have, no further, trouble with-yours, Willie.—
Uncle Tom. [1]
October 1907
256 Perth-road, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom,— I am sending a few pansies for yourself out of my own Sunshine Patch for a button-hole. I think I will be able to take a bunch of flowers to, the Home of Peace. Our little Charlie is getting on so nicely so good-bye, Uncle Tom. — Your loving nephew, WILLIE HARRISON, aged 9 ¾
,Dear Willie.— I was delighted with your lovely and thoughtful present. Your Sunshine Patch, must have come on splendidly, I can see you have been attentive to it. Again I thank you, Willie, and remain your loving Uncle Tom. [2]
In addition to Willie, the names of Nellie and Lou Harrison from 256 Perth street, Subiaco first appear in the local newspapers on 19 October, 1907 in letter from the Matron at the Home of Peace in Hamersley Road, Subiaco after the children from the Sunshine League made a visit:
The Matron writes “Dear Sir, – I am sorry I could not write about the children last week, and I hope they will not think we do not appreciate their visits and flowers. Our wards would look very bare indeed were it not for the beautiful flowers they bring. I am enclosing a list of names, so that you will know your nieces and nephews who visit the Home. Children of the Sunshine Patches: – Miss Rita Wilde, Master Jack Robinson and Miss Edie Robinson, Miss Mavis Waterhouse and Master Jack Waterhouse, Miss Edith and Thede Beck, Miss Nellie Harrison and Master L. Harrison… All the above have brought flowers to the Home for two weeks now. May I offer a suggestion to the children through your paper. We are in need of old linen; calico, and flannelette or flannel. It does not matter how old, we have use for the smallest piece. – Yours truly, KATE M. ANDERSON, Matron. [3]
In January, 1908 Nellie Harrison wrote to Uncle Tom, the editor and co-ordinator of the Sunshine League at the Daily News newspaper and asked to be put on the Sunshine League roll. She was member 120 and 6 years old in 1908 living at 256 Perth-street, Subiaco:
Dear Uncle Tom. – Will you put my name of your roll. I was six years old on September 25. I went to school last year, and I am to get a medal. Good-bye. Uncle Tom. – Your little niece, NELLIE HARRISON, aged 6. [4]
256 Perth-street Subiaco
Dear Uncle Tom,— I did take some flowers to the Home of Peace, and was sorry to see all the sick people. Louis was sick for two weeks, but is better now. My birthday is on September 25. Good-bye, Uncle Tom.— Your loving niece, NELLIE HARRISON, aged 6.
Dear Nellie,— I was pleased to see and hear you perform on Monday. You and your brother did very well.—
Uncle Tom. [5]
MY LETTER BAG: WELCOME CORRESPONDENCE And
SUNSHINE-MAKING ACCOUNTS,
FIRSTCLASS (Under 8 Years.) NEW NIECES AND NEPHEWS,
Nellie Harrison, 6 years, 256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
INTERESTING BATCH OF LETTERS
BY NIECES AND NEPHEWS OF THE “SUNSHINE LEAGUE”
SECOND CLASS
(Over 8 to 12 Years.)
256, Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, You hoped I did not smoke cigarettes. No. Mamma tells me about a young man who she knew in Geelong, who died through a growth in his throat caused by cigarette smoking, but I see a good many boys, very little older than myself, smoking cigarettes. I am sorry for all the, sick people at the Home of Peace, but still glad they have a good home and kind nurses.
I will now say, good-night, dear Uncle Tom.
Your loving nephew,
WILLIE HARRISON, aged 10.
Dear Willie, I quite agree with you that cigarette smoking by boys is dangerous to their health. You are quite right when you say that the patients at the Home of Peace are well treated. The matron (Miss Anderson) and the nurses could not be kinder to them. Are you going to Monday’s concert at Kings Hall? Uncle Tom. [6]
Children’s Hospital
A successful concert in aid of the Children’s Hospital was held under the auspices of the Sunshine League, at the King’s Hall, Subiaco, last night. [7]
SUNSHINE WARD FUND
May 4 Concert at King’s Hall, Subiaco £21 1 6
Less hire of Hall (£l/15s)
Advertising (‘West. Australian’), 3s
Hire and cartage of chairs, 10s £ 2 8 0
Balance £18 13 6. [8]
The Perth Children’s Hospital wasn’t built until 1909, located on the corner of Hay and Thomas Street, Subiaco after many years of fundraising and lobbying by the Western Australian government and community. The original facilities included 40 beds, an operating theatre and outpatient department.
On 18th July 1908 Nellie wrote to Uncle Tom about her sick brother Louie...
Uncle Tom. 256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Uncle Tom, The doctor says Louie must go under an operation before long, and mother thinks it may be put off until the Children’s Hospital is open. Good-bye Uncle. – Your loving niece,
NELLIE HARRISON, aged 6.
Dear Nellie, – I am sorry Louie is not well, and that an operation is necessary. If I were your mother I would not put it off if the doctors say it is urgent. Will you give him my kind regards and accept same yourself – Uncle Tom.[9]
Also in July 1908, Nellie volunteered for the Sunshine League Sewing Circle. The Sewing Circle was established for members to make sheets, pillow cases, dusters and towels for the new Perth Children’s Hospital. The Sewing Scheme was explained in the Daily News on the 18 July 1908:
HOW IT IS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
In regard to the sewing scheme, I have made arrangements with the drapery houses to supply the material for the sheets and pillow-slips required for our two wards at the Children’s Hospital at a cheaper rate than usual. On presentation, of an order. which I will supply, my nieces will be able to procure the materials. It would not be fair to ask these houses to be continually showing and explaining’ the samples, and I have decided therefore to have the samples at ‘The Daily News’ offices, Perth and Fremantle, where they may be examined between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. When examining the samples you will’ obtain, the orders for the material. The finished articles need not be made in a hurry, far there is plenty of time.
In addition to the sheets and pillowslips, we shall require some special towels, and some dusters, and I will give this work to some of those who have volunteered. One of my nieces suggested having a red rosette worked into the material. The idea is; a good one, but the consensus of opinion among those capable of judging is that the names of nieces worked in small plain round lettering below the hems, with good red ingrained cotton (the drapers will tell you the proper kind), wild be most suitable. I want you all, therefore, to work your names into the pillowslips and sheets just below the hems in the following style: MARY JONES, S.L. The above letters will be far easier ordinary signatures were worked to work, and more serviceable than if ordinary signatures were worked over.[10]
THE SEWING SCHEME, NAMES OF WORKERS.
MORE SEWING AVAILABLE.
Here is a list of my nieces who have called on me at ‘The Daily News office and secured some sewing for the Children’s Hospital: —
Sheets and Pillow Cases:
Nellie Harrison, 4 pillow slips, Perth-street, Subiaco.[11]
GOOD AND BAD NEWS.
256 Perth Street, Subiaco
Dear Uncle Tom, Only a few lines to let you know I am well. We went up to Statham’s last week for a couple of days, and the wild flowers were lovely. We got a big bunch of everlastings. Our baby is sick with tonsilitis, and I went into town today to get him some medicine. Tomorrow is our tea meeting for our Sunday School. Trusting to find you well, I remain, your loving nephew,
WILLIE HARRISON
Dear Willie, You have sent me bad news about baby. I hope by now he is quite well. I am pleased to say I am quite well. Uncle Tom.[12]
PRIZE LETTER.
(The Prize is a Picture and Story Book.)
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, — I thank you for the nice card you sent -me for my birthday. My dada is working at the Girls’ Orphanage, on Adelaide Terrace, and he says all the children look so nice and happy, and well-cared for there, and when I am older I am going to visit them. Enclosed sixpence for their Xmas Cheer Fund.
Your loving little niece,
NELLIE HARRISON, aged 7.
Dear Nellie,— I thank you for your subscription for the Orphans’ Christmas Cheer. I would be, very, pleased if you would save your pennies and buy a present for one of the orphans. If you send something to me I will write the name of one of the children on the present, and will put it on the Christmas tree, x x x x. Uncle Tom [13]
Sunshine Concert
I heartily approve of your suggestion. On receipt of your letter I rang up the matron of the
Home of Peace, and learned that such a concert would be appreciated. There are nearly 30 patients in the home. The matron suggested that the concert might commence at 7.30 o’clock and terminate at 9 o’clock. We discussed dates and fixed Monday, March 9 for 1310 concert. I now Call for Volunteers from among my nieces and nephews, particularly those who travel to Subiaco. I want about 15 items. We provided supper for the old men on Wednesday evening, but the matron of ‘the Home of Peace explains that, the latest the patients in her institution can ‘be given food Is 7 o’clock in the evening. But all my nieces and nephews will be asked to partake of some refreshment’ before leaving. This concert will give my Subiaco nieces and nephews a chance to do ‘Something special, and I shall expect to get a number of volunteers from them. As you have suggested the concert, Janet, I will ask you to arrange for some items by Claremont nieces or nephews. On Sunday afternoon I will go. to the Home of Peace to further discuss the arrangements for the concert with the matron. I hope to see a number of sunshine makers present to cheer up the old men and women whose lot is so desperately unhappy. [14]
League Concert At The Home Of Peace Subiaco (1908). In 1908, the children from the Sunshine League performed a concert at the Home of Peace for the Dying and Incurable in Subiaco. Over 400 children attended. The concert was reported in the Daily News newspaper by Uncle Tom, a journalist and coordinator of the Sunshine League. The Sunshine League, the children, events and the adults who worked at the Daily News newspaper have been discussed in earlier posts on this blog. The Sunshine League was established by the Daily News newspaper in 1907 and was coordinated by Uncle Tom. Those children who joined the Sunshine League members were known as nieces and nephews were encouraged to spread kindness where ever they could to orphans, the sick and dying and old people in various institutions. They also helped raise money for the Perth Children’s Hospital and other causes in Perth. In the first year 1908 then annual report stated the Sunshine League held 28 concerts, 2 fancy dress balls, 16 bazaars, 2 afternoon teas and one play, a total of 49 events many of them organised and volunteered by children (and their families) raising hundreds of pounds. The children and their families also made substantial donations of money many of them from Subiaco (Daily News, 30 May, 1908).
Conducted by UNCLE TOM.
My Dear Nieces and Nephews, – I must say at the outset that I was very pleased with the Sunshine Concert at the Home of Peace on Monday evening.
At its conclusion I passed around to each of the patients on the verandah, and they all said they had spent a most pleasant evening, and the beaming smile on their faces was evidence in support of their statement.
I was delighted also to meet so many of my happy and smiling nieces and nephews, and as for the program me, I cannot say more than that I was pleasantly surprised at its splendid quality. The older persons present enjoyed It as much as we did, for no one left till the close, although there was ample opportunity had they felt so disposed. For the benefit of those who were not able to attend – (I estimate that about 400 children were present) – I will give you the programme as it took place: –
Overture, Miss Ella R. Weickhardt; song, Miss Dorothy Kelly; recitation, Miss Diana Lazarus; character song, Master Sam Masai (accompanist Mrs. Brown); recitation, Miss Hilda Jones; pianoforte selection, Miss Cissie Troy; recitation, Miss Tessie Murphay; part song, Master Louis and Miss Nellie Harrison; character song, ‘Gretchen,’ the Misses Gracie M. White, N. Marie Burmaister, and Laura A. Porter; recitation, Miss Verona Rodriques; spectacular dialogue, the Misses Birdie Beckwith, Etta Hollis, Gwen Knox, Hattie Rlnger, Hilda Patterson, Gladys Taylor; and Mabel M. Wright; pianoforte selection, Miss Vera Cantor; song, Miss Margaret Parker; recitation, Miss Alice Rlckard; song, Miss Muriel Francis; part song, Misses Violet Frank, Eunice Thomas, Lizzie M’Narmara, Willa M’Donald, Rita Maddaford, and Vera Maddaford; recitation, Miss Janet Rlckard; pianoforte duet, the Misses Eileen O’Mahoney and Kathleen Dempsey; recitation, Miss Mavis M. Harris; song, Miss Katie Breadsell, recitation, Master Victor D. A. Courtney; chorus, Fremantle Girls. [15]
LETTER.
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, – I thank you for the nice book you sent me. I can read it too. I have saved 12½d. of my own money, and mama is going to buy something for the orphans’ Christmas Tree, and will send it to you early this week. I had a card to collect for the Children’s Hospital, and I got it full, so I am going to get a medal. I hope you will get plenty of presents for the children all to get something, and I wish them all a Merry Xmas. Good-bye, dear Uncle. – Your loving little niece,
NELLIE HARRISON, aged 7.
Dear Nellie, – I was very pleased to get your nice letter, especially as you are thinking of the little orphans who haven’t a nice kind mother like you have to buy them nice presents at Christmas time. Will you ask your mother to take you to the Girls’ Orphanage, Adelaide-terrace, Perth, on December 28, to see Father Christmas give out the presents [17].
In 1909 Nellie and her brother Willie continued to write to Uncle Tom and raise money for the Perth Children’s Hospital including selling tickets to events and sending stamps.
LETTER.
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, – I am sending you a little essay on spiders, so I will write only a short letter. I am in the big school now in the second standard. Good-bye, dear Uncle. – Your living little niece, NELLIE HARRISON. Aged 7 years and 4 months. P.S. – I send 6d. for the Children’s Hospital, Sunshine Ward Fund. xxxx
Dear Nellie. – You have written a nice essay. I can see that you have paid attention to your teacher at nature study lesson. I thank you for your contribution to the Children’s Hospital Fund, and send you three xxx – Uncle Tom. [18]
MY LETTER BAG
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, — I thank you for my prize which I received a little while ago. I have read it and Will has too. And dada is away in Albany. On Friday after school I went to Congdon-street to stay till Monday morning with Mrs. Richardson. Mama told me that Mr. Richardson built your ‘Daily News’ office and the Home of Peace, too. On Sunday while I was away our dear little baby Charlie was sick; and mama told to send for the doctor. It was convulsions, but he got up to-day. I am glad he is better. On Monday when Willie was at carpentry, he fainted, and he is sick now. Will asks me to say he would try and sell a few tickets for ‘The Carnival of Flowers’ on May 1. He will write when he gets up. I am sending three stamps for the Children’s Hospital. I am tired now, dear Uncle Tom. – Your loving little niece,
NELLIE HARRISON, aged 7 1/2.
Dear Nellie, – I have sent Willie a few tickets to sell for the ‘Carnival of Flowers, I shall be pleased to see you all present. You have sent me a lot of bad news this week. I hope you next letter will be full of good news – Uncle Tom.[19]
THE CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS put on by “The Sunshine League”
Uncle Tom of ‘The Daily News,’ and his nieces and nephews of the Sunshine League, may confidently look forward to their ‘Carnival of Flowers’ in aid of the Children’s Hospital Out-of-Debt Fund at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday evening, May 1, being a great success. No effort is being spared on the part of the organisers to that end. The hundreds of young people who will take part In the Carnival have had their attractive dresses specially designed and made for the occasion, and as they all represent flowers, the effect should be both striking and pleasing. Special attention will also be paid to the scene effects and this will be carried out on a scale in-keeping with the dresses of the performers. This morning ‘Uncle Tom’ received very generous spontaneous offers of the loan of the best and latest scenery available from the representatives of the firms of Mr. J. C. Williamson and Mr. William Anderson. These offers have been accepted. The ‘Carnival of Flowers’ should be witnessed by a crowded house, more especially as there will be popular prices — 1s. for adults, and 6d. for children to all parts, with a booking fee of 6d. only for reserved seats. The box-plan at Nicholsons is rapidly filling. An advertisement gives further details. of the production, which is under vice-regal patronage. [20]
Bottom of Form
THE CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS.
To the Editor.
Sir,–As one who takes a keen interest in the Sunshine League, I attended the performance of the “Carnival of Flowers.” Great credit is due to those who were responsible for the different sets, the colour schemes and marching being really beautiful. What a vast amount of time must have been spent by the performers in attaining such a state of excellence. But to my mind there was one feature sadly overdone. I refer to the dancing, which in some cases approached high-kicking. There was altogether too much leg business. The young girlish minds get very wrong ideas when they are taught to dance, as they did on Saturday night. Excuse me for trespassing on your space, but the circumstances warrant it. Hoping those responsible will take this in the same spirit in which it is written. Yours, etc., Cannington. May 5. OBSERVER. [21]
PRIZE ESSAY, SUBJECT: ‘MY PETS’
256 Perth Street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, I am going to write you an essay on ‘My Pets.’
I have three pets, a cat, a parrot, and a magpie. The cat I call ‘Spot’ because he has, a black spot on his back. He has a long tail and greyish-green eyes. He is a lazy old fellow, and sleeps on a chair by the fire all day. The maggie is black and white, but is not nearly so lazy as Spot. He is worming all day, and often catches big ones. He often chases the fowls, and when they go on the nest to lay he tries to pull them off. He roosts in the lemon tree. Joey is a pretty bird; he has a long, tail and & lot of colours. He has a yellow ring round this neck, and a green and blue breast. He can say ‘Pretty Joey,’ ‘Where are you working?’ ‘Have a- cup of tea,’ and if we are speaking, he says, ‘A?’ and if anyone comes into the yard he screams ‘Mamma!’. He is as good as a watch dog.
I will now say good-night, uncle. I remain your loving nephew,
WILLIE HARRISON, aged 11 ½[22]
By 1909 the Harrison family had Olive Dunn with them. Olive Dunn, a 11 year old girl asked to join the Sunshine League. Olive and Nellie went visiting a sick child at the new Perth Children’s Hospital and Olive shared her thoughts with Uncle Tom. Olive was from Statham Siding, the daughter Thomas Statham, a prominent local figure who managed the quarry and related infrastructure near what was known as Statham’s Siding.
LETTER.
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, – I would like to become one of your nieces. I live in Stratham’s Siding, but I am staying with Nellie for a few months. I go to Subiaco school I am in the third standard. I was 11 on March 16. I am sending 3d for the Orphans’ Xmas Cheer. We were asked at school to bring a fresh egg on Friday for the Children’s Hospital. I went to the hospital with Nellie to see a little sick girl. I think it is a very nice place for the little sick ones. I think that is all. Good-bye dear Uncle Tom. – I remain, loving niece. OLIVE DUNN, aged 11
Dear Olive, – I accept you as a niece, and I am pleased to have been given the opportunity of accepting you as you appear to be a kindly-disposed little girl. I agree with you that the Children’s Hospital is a nice place for sick children, and I am glad that you have paid a Sunshine visit. Uncle Tom .[23]
Bottom of Form
PRIZE ESSAY
(The Prize is a Book for Boys.)
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, — I am writing you an essay on my holidays. During the first week Louis and I went to Crawley fishing, and on, Christmas Eve we went to the Queen’s Hall with two boy friends to see the pictures, and thought they were good. On Christmas Day we did not go out as Louis had a bad toothache, and on Boxing Day we did not go put either, but my father took Louis to get his tooth out. On Monday we made an: early start to Nedlands Park. We had a good day, but when we got home we were tired. On Wednesday we went to the Orphans’ Christmas picnic, and although I had a headache, I was pleased to see the orphans, enjoy themselves. On New Year’s Eve we all stayed up to see the New Year. in. Several times this week I went to Crawley. I went on Saturday, and caught eighteen whiting and a flathead. Louis and Nellie went to Stathams on Saturday for a week. When they come home I am going up to stay for some months. I hope you have had an enjoyable Christmas and will have a bright New Year.
I remain your loving nephew,
- HARRISON, aged 11.[24]
PRIZE LETTER.
(The Prize is a Book for Girls.)
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, — I am going to write you an essay about my ‘holidays’. The first week of our holidays Nellie and I helped Mrs. Harrison with her work, and on Christmas Eve my mother and father and my little sister and two brothers came down to Subiaco for a week, and we all went into Perth, and when little Charlie Harrison saw the pretty lights, he said, ‘Ah,’ and after having a good look around town, we arrived home about half-past 10. On Christmas Day we stayed home and rested, and on Sunday we went to the Fallen Soldiers Memorial in the afternoon, and then I went to Fremantle to see a friend, and stayed there all night, and on Monday morning our friend came up to Subiaco and we all went to Nedlands Park and had a real good day. We returned home about 9 o’clock. On Tuesday we stayed home, and on Wednesday morning we started off about 10 o’clock for the Zoo to see all the little orphans, and I am sure they all had a good, enjoyable day. We looked at the tables, and thought how lovely and bright they looked. I think the Sunshine League is a grand thing, and I am sure the little orphans do, too. We got home about half-past 8, tired out. On Thursday we stayed home, and on Friday we went to Crawley, and we caught 38 crabs, and we children got very much sunburnt, and our backs were very sore. We stayed up to see the old year out and, the new year in. On New Year’s Day we did not go out at all, but on Sunday, the 2nd, we went to Sunday-school, and in the evening to church, and on Monday my parents went home and we have had a quiet week since. On Saturday about 20 girls— my Sunday-school class — went down to Nedlands on our invitation and we enjoyed ourselves well. Now, dear uncle, I have told you all about my holidays. I had a very enjoyable time, and I hope you and your nieces and nephews and all the little orphans have too.
Good-bye, dear Uncle Tom,— I remain, your loving little niece,
OLIVE DUNN, aged 11 [25]
MY LETTER BAG
SUNSHINE-MAKING ACCOUNTS and WELCOME CORRESPONDENCE
FIRST CLASS
256 Perth-street, Subiaco
Dear Auntie Nell, — I am very sorry we are losing “Uncle Tom,” and I am sending you 3d. each from myself and my two brothers. I am not able to write a long letter to-night, for I have the toothache. Good-bye, dear auntie, Your loving niece,
NELLIE HARRISON, aged 8¼
Dear Little Nellie, I thank you so much for your threepence sent in by Louis. It was very good of you all to club together and give the shilling. I do hope, the nasty old toothache is better. It is so painful, Isn’t it? Will you take part in our anniversary celebrations? I want as many as possible to assist. Good-bye, dear. Yours lovingly, Auntie Nell.[26]
MY LETTER BAG
256 Perth Street Subiaco
Dear Auntie Nell, it is a long time since I have written to you, but I always read the Children’s Page. I used to write to ‘Uncle Tom,’ and I got three prizes from him. One was for an essay on ‘The Spider,’ and the others were for two letters. I have coloured the Scout and I am enclosing it. I have three brothers; two older than myself and one younger, and I am ten years old and will be eleven next September. I am in the higher fifth at school. I will now close, as it is bed time. Hoping you are well. I remain your loving niece,
NELLIE HARRISON.
Dear Nellie, I do not remember you writing to me before, it was possibly to ‘Uncle Tom’ that you wrote, and I have been so busy that I have not been able to look your letter up. Now that you tell me about the essay on ‘The Spider’ I shall find it and read it. Can’t you get., your brother to join, the League? Do you think you and your brothers could help in a pretty opera if we decide to give it in aid of the Children’s Hospital? With love, dear,
From yours lovingly, Auntie Nell[27]
RECIPE CONTEST
THE PRIZE RECIPES
SECOND
Second, prize is awarded to Miss Nellie Harrison, 256 Perth-Street, Subiaco, for recipe for LEMON JAM
Ingredients: Six large lemons, six pounds of sugar, six pints water.
Method ; Cut lemons in half lengthwise, then in thin slices, removing pips, and soak in the six pints of water for 24 hours; about half an hour before adding, sugar. ‘ Then boil one hour, or until it jellies nicely.[28]
RECIPE CONTEST
THE PRIZE RECIPES
SECOND
Second prize is awarded to Miss Nellie Harrison of 256 Perth Street Subiaco for recipe for QUEEN CAKES
Ingredients : Three eggs, quarter pound butter, quarter pound sugar, six ounces flour (self-raising), two tablespoonsful milk, and a few drops essence of lemon.
Mode: Beat butter and sugar to a cream the add the eggs one by one, beat well and add the milk, beat again before and also after adding the flour, half fill well buttered pattie tins and drop a few currants in centre. Bake in a quick oven about seven minutes.[29]
RECIPE CONTEST
THE PRIZE RECIPES
Third prize is awarded to Miss Nellie Harrison, 256 Perth-street, Subiaco, for recipe for PLUM JELLY.
Mode: Put plums into preserving pan and barely cover with water; boil until the plums will mash readily; then strain through a fine strainer and return juice to pan and boil for twenty minutes; then add to each cup of the juice one cup of sugar, and boil until it jellies, which will be about twenty minutes.[30]
MY LETTER BAG
My Dear Auntie Nell. – Just a few lines hoping to find you well. I was wishing last week I was old enough to try for the first aid prize. We have a St. John’s Ambulance book and I often read it. In last Saturday’s paper I saw a puzzle. There was the young son his father, and his grandfather, and three of them spent fourpence each so three fourpences are a shilling. I will now close my letter hoping it will prove successful. – I remain your loving niece. NELLIE HARRISON, age 10 3/4.
Dear Nellie. – I am pleased to know that I have a little niece who employs her time so profitably as to read up on the subject of “First Aid.” Perhaps you will make a good little nurse some-day. You have solved this week’s puzzle correctly, dear. I hope you are one of the prize-winners. Look for the list of names. –
Lovingly your Auntie Nell[31]
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, — I am going to write you an essay on ‘How I spent my Holidays.’ The first week Willie and I went out fishing, and we caught a good many fish and crabs. I went to the little orphans’ picnic, and was glad to see them enjoy themselves. I went up to Statham’s Siding with Nellie, and came home last Friday. Now Nellie is ill with measles. Good-bye now, dear uncle.— I am, your loving little nephew, LOUIS HARRISON, aged 9.
Dear Louis,— I was sorry to hear of Nellie’s bad fortune in getting the measles. Tell her to avoid draughts and chills, and she will soon be all right again. Your handwriting is improving. If I were you I would write a page in an exercise-book every night, and you would soon be a very good penman.— Uncle Tom.[32]
256 Perth Street Subiaco
Dear. Auntie Nell.— I am very sorry that Uncle Tom is going away. Mrs. Harrison took me with Nellie and Louis to the farewell concert. I am sending 3d. towards the fund for his present. Good-bye, dear Auntie Nell. I remain, your loving little niece, OLIVE DUNN, aged 11,
Dear Olive, Thank you very much for your contribution towards making the Thermometer rise. Did you have a very happy time at the concert? It was very kind of Mrs Harrison to take you all. Louis came in to see, me yesterday, but, poor little chap, he was suffering from toothache, and was just about to visit the dentist. I felt so sorry for him. Would you ask some of the other Subiaco nieces to write to me, dear? Good-bye. I hope to hear from you soon, — Yours lovingly,
Auntie Nell.[33]
256 Perth street Subiaco
Dear Auntie Nell,— I have not written to you for a long time, but I have not forgotten you. I was one of Uncle Tom’s nieces, and I have four prizes which I got from him. They are very nice books, the names of them are ‘Road Rail,’ ‘Sea Dorothy,’ ‘In Dormsdorp,’ and ‘Sunshine ‘ and the Fairy Queen.’ Our baby will be three years old, next Saturday. He is such a funny little fellow; his name is Charlie George, but he calls himself Charlie Mick Harrison. I will
now say good-bye, dear Auntie. -Your loving little niece,
NELLIE F. HARRISON, aged 8.
Dear Little Nellie,— Yes, it, is a long time since you have written, and I thought you had forgotten all about me. What a lot of nice prizes you received from Uncle Tom. I hope you will try and win some from me too. You write a good letter for a little maid of eight years, and your writing is very good also. What a sweet little man Charlie must be. He must amuse you all very much with his dear, funny little ways. When he is big enough you must ask him to write me a letter— I should love to have him for a little nephew. Good-bye, dearie.
—Take much love and a kiss from yours lovingly, Auntie Nell.[34]
[1] The Daily News Saturday 6 July 1907 page 14
[2] The Daily News Saturday 12 October 1907 page 14
[3] Daily News 19 October 1907
[4] Daily News, 25 January 1908
[5] The Daily News Saturday 14 March 1908 page 10
[6] The Daily News Friday 1 May 1908 page 7
[7] The West Australian Tuesday 5 May 1908 page 6
[8] The Daily News Saturday 16 May 1908 page 10
[9] Daily News 18 July 1908
[10] The Daily News Saturday 18 July 1908 page 9
[11] Daily News Saturday 15 August 1908 page 10
[12] The Daily News Saturday 3 October 1908 page 10
[13] The Daily News Saturday 14 November 1908 page 9
[14] Daily News Saturday 8th February 1908 page 10
[15] Daily News, 14 March 1908
[16] The Daily News Saturday 7 March 1908 page 10
[17] Daily News 19 December 1908
[18] Daily News 6 February 1909
[19] Daily News 10 April 1909
[20] The Daily News Saturday 17th April 1909 page 7
[21] The West Australian Friday 7 May 1909 page 2
[22] Daily News Saturday 14 August 1909 page 12
[23] Daily News 18 December 1909
[24] The Daily News Saturday 15 January 1910 page 10
[25] Daily News Saturday 15 January 1910 page 10
[26] The Daily News Saturday 12 March 1910 page 11
[27] The Daily News Saturday 20 July 1910 page 2
[28] Sunday Times Sunday 7 August 1910 page 7
[29] Sunday Times Sunday 11 September 1910 page 23
[30] Sunday Times Sunday 5 February 1911 page 27
[31] Daily News 12 August 1912
[32] Daily News Saturday 22 January 1910 page 10
[33] Daily News Saturday 12 March 1910 page 11
[34] Daily News Saturday 27 August 1910 page 11