Born 1902 – daughter of Edith Carr & Matthew Polmear, a farmer in the Tallangatta Valley. Matthew died 7 July 1912. Oldest of five children.

BEECHWORTH INSPECTORAL DISTRICT

MERIT CERTIFICATE & QUALIFYING EXAMINATION RESULTS

Results of the examination for merit certificates and of the qualifying examination held in the various schools throughout the district on Tuesday, 23 November have now been made known … Merit Certificates … Tallangatta Valley, Millicent Polmear. Upper Murray and Mitta Herald, 6 January 1916.

Father died July 7 1912. Leaving Edith to care for four children all under the age of ten. Millicent the oldest and the youngest Florence aged two. Left an estate to the value of £1588.

Millicent gained her merit certificate in 1915. See Wangaratta Chronicle, 15 December 1915.

Left the Tallangatta Valley September 1918.

A Valley correspondent writes : - On Saturday, 31st ult., some 40 ladies met at the Wyeeboo Town-hall to bid farewell to Mrs. Polmear and family, who are leaving the Valley. Mrs. Scobie, who occupied the chair, in a neat speech referred to the many good qualities of the guest. She had known Mrs. Polmear for about 21 years - in fact they had had many good times together. (Much amusement was caused by the relation of some  humorous anecdotes.) Mrs. Hunter spoke of the good works Mrs. Polmear had done, and how she would be missed. She had always been a good friend and- neighbor. Endorsive speeches were made by Mesdames Miller and Hy. Ried. Mrs. Nicholson, on behalf of the Valley Red Cross, thanked Mrs. Polmear for her valuable assistance to the branch. On behalf of her many friends on the Valley, Mrs. Scobie then presented Mrs. Polmear with a travelling rug. Later Miss Millicent Polmear was presented with a morocco music carrier from her well-wishers, and with a brooch by members of the C.E. (?) Society. Mr. Clarence Polmear was presented with a morocco wallet, while Flo, Ivy and Oliver each received a book from their school friends. On behalf of Mrs. Polmear and her family, Miss H. Polmear warmly thanked all their friends for their kindness and good wishes, and added that she, like all present, could ill afford to part with Mrs. Polmear. Her remarks were warmly cheered by all present … Upper Murray and Mitta Herald, 12 September 1918.

From the ODH House Committee report 17 April 1923 – As directed I [Secretary] advertised in the district papers for probationer nurses and received 4 applications re forms and particulars but so far only one has completed her application viz Miss Polmear of Tallangatta who has been asked to commence duty on 1st of June.

From the ODH House Committee report 19 June 1923 – Miss Polmear of Tallangatta started as probationer on 1st inst.

From the ODH House Committee report 21 August 1923 – Nurse Polmear’s 3 months probation is up on 31st inst., the medical officer and matron approve her continuing and she is agreeable, her indentures will require to be prepared.

From the ODH House Committee report 29 September 1924 – Nurse Polmear applied for one month’s leave of absence, after last meeting as she was urgently required at home. The matron said that she could be spared and I interviewed the Chairman and got his permission provided that the hospital would be put to any inconvenience or expense over it – she has returned today.

From the ODH House Committee report 16 April 1926 – Nurse Polmear & Nurse Schmidt will complete their 3 years in about 3 weeks’ time and there will be a serious shortage of experienced nurses.

NURSES’ EXAM.

147 Out of 169 Pass

The result of the half-yearly Nurses Examination, held on May 5 and 6 Inst. was announced by, the Board today. Out of 169 candidates the following 147 passed: — …BEECHWORTH HOSPITAL— Millicent Polmear … Herald, Melbourne, 9 June 1926.

From the ODH House Committee report 18 June 1926 – Nurses Polmear, Goonan & Schmidt went to Melbourne for their final exams. Nurse Polmear passed, but Nurse Schmidt failed and Nurse Goonan failed for the second time.

Date of qualification – July 1926

Una Journal, July 1927 – Registrations - Polmear, Millicent Edith G., Ivor Street, Henty, N.S.W.; exam., May, 1926; cert., Beechworth Hospital, July 3rd, 1926.

1927 Vic GG Nurse’s register states that in December 1926, Millicent is at Ivor Street, (most likely the Gilford Private Hospital, Henty, New South Wales.

1928 Vic GG Midwives Register lists Millicent registering as a Midwife May 1927 – address 452 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne (Victorian Trained Nurses’ Club).

1930 ER at 24 Grosvenor Cresc, Summer Hill, NSW

1931 ER at 25 Bryson Street, North Camberwell.

1935 ER living with siblings at 77 Gibson Ave, Bankstown. 

1936 Vic Register of General Nurses as her address as C/O of Miss Vial, 39 Kinkora Road, Hawthorn.

1937 ER 118 Barrow Street, Coburg

1940 Vic GG Nurse’s register has her at 39 Kinkora Road, Hawthorn, C/O Miss Vial.

Restored to Midwifery Register 14 Feb 1941 – address is as above.

Died 29 April, 1942.

POLMEAR -The Relatives and Friends of Mrs EDITH POLMEAR and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly loved DAUGHTER and their dear SISTER, Millicent Edith, to leave her late residence 11 Shelley Street, Campsie THIS AFTERNOON, after service commencing at 1.15 o’clock, for the Methodist Cemetery, Rockwood. LABOR MOTOR FUNERALS 24 North Parade, Campsie. Sydney Morning Herald, 1 May 1942.

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