Research Notes
Daisy Alice Griffiths
1880-1910
The eighth of seventeen children born to James Griffiths and Maria Martin at Beechworth between 1867 and 1894. Daisy known as Alice was born in 1880.
Alice attended the local Beechworth State School in Junction Road.
From the ODH House Committee report 2 June 1902 – The Superintendent reported that he had engaged Miss Griffiths of Beechworth for the vacancy among the probationer nurses and that she had commenced her duties.
From the ODH House Committee report 25 August, 1902 - … also that probationer nurses Stewart & Griffiths had finished their 3 months on trial and passed the doctor’s examination as to physical fitness … that the seal of the hospital be attached to the agreements of Nurses Stewart & Griffiths
From the August 1904 UNA Journal - OVENS DISTRICT HOSPITAL … Nurse Alice Griffiths has obtained six months’ leave of absence on account of ill health.
From March 1905 Una Journal - OVENS DISTRICT HOSPITAL. Nurse Alice Griffiths has returned to duty after six months’ leave of absence; she is quite strong in health again.
From the ODH House Committee report 27 June 1904 – Nurse Griffiths was granted 6 months leave of absence without pay on account of ill health on the recommendation of Dr. Skinner and to be examined by medical officer as to her fitness to return to duty on January 1st next. The Superintendent was instructed not to fill the vacancy until circumstances compelled it.
From the ODH House Committee report 23 January 1905 – … Nurse Griffiths had resumed duty after six months sick leave.
From the March 1905 Una Journal – OVENS DISTRICT HOSPITAL.
Nurse Alice Griffiths has returned to duty after six months’ leave of absence; she is quite strong in health again – written by Matron Winning.
From the ODH House Committee reported 4 September 1905 – Nurse Griffiths was given permission to continue at the hospital after completion of her training, until the final examinations in December.
From the ODH House Committee reported 11 December 1905 – Nurse Griffiths had finished her training and had left the service of the hospital.
December 1905 UNA Journal - OVENS DISTRICT HOSPITAL … Nurse Griffiths has completed her three years’ course of training and left the hospital; she was the recipient of an umbrella from the nurses and myself and we wish her success in her new sphere of labour. – M. Winning, Matron
From the ODH House Committee reported 8 January 1906 – … Nurse Griffiths’ certificate was ready for sealing and presentation …
From the minutes of ODH board meeting 9 Jan 1906 - The seal of the hospital was affixed … to the nursing certificate of Nurse D.A. Griffiths. Nurse Griffiths then attended and was presented with her certificate by the President in a few appropriate words and retired.
From January 1906 Una Journal - OVENS DISTRICT HOSPITAL - Nurses Alice Griffiths, Edith Horsfall, and Maude Humphrey, passed the recent final examinations. As these three were the only candidates from here, the results were very gratifying to us all.
From May 1906 Una Journal – General Register - Griffiths., Daisy Alice, Q.M.l.D. Hospital, Fairfield Cert. Ovens District Hospital, 1905.
From the ODH House Committee report 17 February 1908 – … and that with the Chairman’s sanction arrangements had been made for one of our own trained nurses (Nurse Griffiths) to return and fill the vacancy for a few months. It was decided to refund Nurse Griffiths fare after six months service.
... Nurse Griffiths to return to the hospital as staff nurse for a few months ... Ovens and Murray Advertiser, page 9, 22 February 1908.
... Nurse Griffith forwarded a doctor's certificate stating that she was unable to return to duty for at least two weeks ... Ovens and Murray Advertiser, page 9, 20 March 1909.
From the ODH House Committee report 26 April 1910 – The Secretary reported that … Nurse Griffiths health did not permit her continuing and it was decided to ask one of our own staff nurses to return for a few months.
DEATH OF A NURSE – The death occurred at her mother’s residence, 37 Moreland Road, Moreland on Tuesday last [20 December] of Nurse Alice Griffiths, a native of Beechworth. Deceased served her probationership as a nurse at the Ovens District Hospital, Beechworth as was most proficient in her profession. She afterwards removed to Melbourne, where she commenced practice on her own account. Nurse Griffiths was a daughter of Mrs. And the late Mr James Griffiths, former residents of High Street, Beechworth and had been a sufferer from asthma for some time. Whilst on the nursing staff of the Ovens District Hospital, she was highly esteemed by her sister nurses and patients alike, and sincere regret is felt at her untimely demise. Mrs. Kibbell of Beechworth is a sister of the deceased. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 24 December 1910.
Buried Melbourne General Cemetery.
©Anne Hanson, 2023 E-mail: Anne Hanson