Ruby May HYDE

HYDE, RUBY MAY (b. Hotham East, Vic, 25 July 1891; d. Adelaide, SA, 1 Jan 1982). Missionary to Aboriginal children in SA.

Ruby Hyde, oldest child of Francis and Amy (nee Enticknap), grew up in Bendigo, Vic. Visiting Qld and seeing Aborigines influenced her to study at bible college and become a missionary. Accepted by the UAM in 1923 she served her probation at Bomaderry Children's Home, NSW.

In 1926 she was sent to Oodnadatta, SA, to take charge of the home for children of Aboriginal mothers, abandoned, abused, or handed over by non-Aboriginal fathers. The UAM decided the children would assimilate better if removed from traditional Aboriginal influence. So in 1927 Matron Hyde travelled 400 miles south by train with 12 children to establish Colebrook Children's Home at Quorn. Delia Rutter (q.v.) was appointed assistant, beginning a lifelong partnership dedicated to the children put into their care.

In 1944 the Home moved to Eden Hills, Adelaide. In 1952 she retired and with Sister Rutter established Tanderra Hostel for older Aboriginal girls, in Parkside, later in Torrensville, Adelaide. Colebrook children, many now professionals in high positions, witness to her faithful loving service. Her appointment as MBE (1971) was public recognition of that work.

Colebrook 60th Anniversary Programme (Quorn 1987); A E Gerard, History of the UAM(Adelaide, 1945); C Mattingley and K Hampton, eds, Survival in our own land (Adelaide, 1988); V E Turner, Pearls from the deep (Adelaide, 1937); United Aborigines Messenger Feb 1982

CHRISTOBEL MATTINGLEY