Research Notes
Eliza Jane Wickes
1869 - 1959
1869 - 1959
Probationer Nurse Lyle Wickes, December 1903 - courtesy of the Burke Museum, Beechworth.
Eliza, known as Lyles, born 5 May 1869 at Allans Flat. She was the second born child of James John Augustus Wickes and Louisa Hadley.
Was 33 years old when she began her training at the ODH.
From the ODH House Committee reported 22 September 1902 – The Superintendent reported that in the place of Nurse Brierly, he had engaged a new probationer nurse, Miss Wickes and that the other vacancy on the staff need not be filled until absolutely necessary when either a staff nurse or probationer would be engaged.
From the ODH House Committee reported 12 January 1903 – The Superintendent reported that nurse Wickes had completed 3 months on trial and passed an examination by the Medical Officers as to physical fitness and the usual agreement had been drawn up … It was recommended to the Board of Management that the seal of the hospital be affixed to Nurse Wicke’s agreement
From the June 1905 UNA Journal, OVENS DISTRICT HOSPITAL.
… Nurses Downes and Wickes went up for their final examination on the 14th and 15th inst. We are all anxious about the results.– written by M. Winning, Matron
From the ODH House Committee reported 4 September 1905 – Nurse Wickes was appointed staff nurse from October 1st in place of Nurse Donnes (resigned) and …
Date of qualification 30 September 1905.
From the ODH House Committee reported 2 October 1905 – Nurse Wickes had completed her training and her certificate was ready for presentation.
From the minutes of ODH board meeting 3 October 1905 - The seal of the hospital was placed upon certificate of Nurse Wickes on the motion of Mr. Zwar and Mr. Andrews and the certificate was presented to Nurse Wickes by the President, who wished the nurse every success in her career as a trained nurse.
December 1905, Una Journal, OVENS DISTRICT HOSPITAL - Nurse Wickes having completed her three years’ course of training has been appointed staff nurse; she will be presented with a copy of Stoney’s Practical Points on Nursing and Stoney’s Materia Medica from the nurses and myself – M. Winning, Matron
August 1906, UNA Journal, OVENS DISTRICT HOSPITAL, … Staff-nurse Wickes passed the examination in infectious diseases nursing held here in June. ...M. Winning, Matron.
October 1906, UNA Journal, OVENS DISTRICT HOSPITAL.… I had the misfortune to slip and injure my foot severely. Although it is now seven weeks since the accident, I have it still up in plaster of Paris, and have to use crutches. Staff-nurse Wickes was acting matron, and carried out her duties to the satisfaction of all. M. WINNING, Matron.
From the ODH House Committee report 12 November 1906 – The matron was granted four weeks leave of absence from November 14th, the senior staff nurse, Nurse Wickes to be acting matron.
From the ODH House Committee report 7 January 1907 –The resignation of Staff Nurse Wickes was received and it was decided to promote Nurse Burke to the position of staff nurse on the completion of her training in a few weeks’ time …
October 1907, UNA Journal, OVENS DISTRICT HOSPITAL. Staff Nurse E. J. Wickes severed her connection with the hospital on the 11th February, to the regret of the staff, after four and a half years’ service. She was the recipient of a few necessary adjuncts to private nursing from the nursing staff and myself. … M. WINNING, Matron.
Victoria Cottage.--A meeting of the committee of Victoria Cottage was held yesterday to consider an application from Nurse Wickes to take charge of the cottage. After conferring with Nurse Wickes, who attended the meeting, it was decided to appoint her as caretaker and nurse. Corryong Courier, 9 July 1908.
Victoria Cottage.—A special meeting of the committee was held in the Athenaeum Hall on Tuesday, to consider a request from Nurse Wickes for an addition to the cottage of a kitchen and dining room combined, as there are four patients in the cottage and the present dining room is required for a sitting room for the patients. After consideration it was decided that the addition be built, and a sub committee was appointed to arrange for the work, and also to get outside screens erected to-protect the windows from the sun. The secretary reported a
donation from Mrs Playle of a pair of bed-screens, and from Mr Playle of a pair of crutches. He was instructed to convey the thanks of the committee to the donors. Corryong Courier, 10 September 1908.
1909 ER Corryong, Nurse. (at Victoria Cottage)
1912, 1914 & 1915 ER 86 Anderson Street, South Yarra – nurse.
Was at Corryong Hospital by June 1916 – Nurse at Corryong Hospital – see Corryong Courier, 6 July 1916.
1916-1922 ER nurse at Weramatong, Tintaldra
February 1922, address is Tintaldra, Upper Murray.
1924 ER Church Street, Beechworth, home duties
1927 – 1954 ER Nurse at Cudgewa.
Lyles died the day after her ninetieth birthday, that is 6 May 1959. Buried at Cudgewa cemetery with her mother, Louisa.
©Anne Hanson, 2023 E-mail: Anne Hanson