Research Notes
Jane Margaret Finnis
1902-1992
1902-1992
Jane, one of six children, was born in 1902 at East Melbourne to Henry Charles Finnis & Elizabeth Nelson. Charles was chief warder at Beechworth Gaol before becoming a senior chief warder. Appointed Governor of Beechworth Gaol in 1908. Became Governor at Geelong Gaol circa May 1914 but on his retirement returned to Beechworth. Died Beechworth 13 Oct 1919 aged 69. Elizabeth his wife, died at Harrietville aged 56 9 August 1921.
From the ODH House Committee report:
15 November 1920 - … It was agreed to recommend that Miss Jean [should read Jane] Finnis be appointed [as probationer] from December 1st.
20 December 1920 - … Nurse Finnis had commenced as probationer on 1st inst.
From the ODH House Committee report:
16 May 1921 – Nurses Finnis and Ferguson had completed their probation and were approved of by the medical officers and matron.
16 August 1921 – Nurse Finnis is at present away and has been allowed her annual holiday.
From the ODH House Committee report 21 November 1922 – Nurse Morrison, Ferguson, Alexander & Finnis have passed their exam in Anatomy & Physiology they were examined by Dr. Lawrence.
From the ODH House Committee report 21 August 1923 – Nurse Finnis is away on sick leave, since 26 July …
From the ODH House Committee report:
18 September 1923 – The Secretary reported that Nurse Lewis & Nurse Finnis were still off duty on sick leave and that Nurse Barkes had been ordered to Melbourne to consult an eye specialist.
20 November 1923 – Nurses Finnis and Lewis are still away on sick leave. Each of them say that they will be returning to duty shortly.
From the ODH House Committee report:
15 January 1924 – Nurse Finnis returned today.
21 March 1924 – Nurse Finnis is not keeping strong and is only working half time.
16 May 1924 – The Secretary reported that Nurse Finnis had completed her 3 years training on the 15th inst. and that she had left the institution.
18 July 1924 – Nurse Finnis has passed her final examinations in accordance with the requirements of the RVTNA and is entitled to receive her certificate from the Board.
Date of qualification, July 1924.
2 March 1925 Una Journal – Registration – Finnis, Jane Margaret, Marrinook [private hospital], Victoria Parade, East Melbourne.
1927 Vic GG Nurse’s register states that in May 1927 Jane’s address was care of Mrs M.E. Stacpoole, Reigate House, Hughes Street, Pott’s Point, Sydney, New South Wales.
1929 - 1932 Address is Nurses’ Home, King’s Cross road, Darlinghurst.
1934 is at 32 Queens Road, Albert Park.
1934 acquired Special Certificate for Infant Welfare Nursing.
Australians Abroad - ... Miss Jane Finnis, of Melbourne, is at present in London. ... The Australasian, 14 July 1934. Jane arrived in Hull, Yorkshire on 15 May 1934. On the shipping list of the TMV Port Fairy, Jane is listed as a student, aged thirty one.
Miss Jane Finnis who is travelling to Sydney in the Otranto which arrived on Sunday night wore a minute pear shaped watch pinned to the cardigan jacket of her sports suit. A tiny cut steel design ornamented the centre of the delicate enamel back and a piece of strong gros-grain ribbon attached it to a little gold pin.
BABY HEALTH CENTRES - ... Sister Laura Reeves will commence her duties in charge of the centres next week. Sister Finnis who has been relieving during recent months will return to Melbourne. Camperdown Chronicle, 8 February 1936.
Lillydale Shire Council ... Correspondence - ... Public Health Department, re appointment of Sister in charge of the Baby Health Centre.—The president reported that after careful consideration of the applicants, Sister Finnis was appointed by the committee deputed to make the selection. The Lilydale Express, 28 August 1936
MONBULK - Sister Finnis of Croydon has been appointed sister in charge of the Monbulk Baby Health Centre in success to Sister Dunn. The Argus, 5 September 1936
Following a recent decision to extend infant welfare work In the shire, the Ferntree Gully Shire Council has appointed Sister J. Finnis as sister. The Argus, 6 October 1937
March 1938 resigned as Infant Welfare Sister in charge of Bayswater and Ferntree Gully. See The Argus, 19 March 1938
A special meeting of the committee of the Katanning Infant Health Association was held at the centre, Austral Terrace, on Thursday evening when consideration was given to
applications for the position of Centre Sister, rendered vacant by resignation of Sister Irvine. Five applications were received, that of Sister Jade Finnis, temporarily Sister
in charge at the Banbury Centre, being accepted It is understood that Sister Finnis will be asked to take up duties at the centre by October 10. Great Southern Herald, 1 October 1938.
Married Eric Roscoe Bocquet, 9 November 1940 Armadale, WA – appear to have had at least one child, a daughter born 21 Oct 1941 at Albany.
Died 29 May 1992, Albany, Western Australia.
©Anne Hanson, 2023 E-mail: Anne Hanson