Born 25 June 1889 Prahran to Arthur Robert Daly, a solicitor and Bessie Braim.

Passed Matriculation exams December 1905 - see The Herald 9 Jan 1906.

1906 family were living at 144 High Street, Prahran.

LADY INJURED IN COLLINS-STREET.

Miss Thelma Daly, of Riversdale Road, Camberwell while trying to avoid a tram car in Collins-street yesterday was knocked down by a passing van, one of the wheels of which passed over her, crushing her severely, the van driver jumped down, and having extricated Miss Daly from between the wheels, handed her over to the care of some ladies, who had witnessed the accident. -The man then drove off without giving either his name or address, and he had gone some time before a policeman followed him in a taxi-cab. Miss Daly was driven to her home, where she is receiving medical attention.

The Age, 19 March 1909.

1909 family were living at 31 Riversdale Road, Hawthorn.

1914 ER listed as a nurse at the Fever Hospital, Fairfield.

ARARAT HOSPITAL

... From Thelma Daly, Fairfield, applying for a position of probationer. - On the motion of Messrs Start and Faneco, it was decided that the writer's name be placed on the list of applicants for the position of probationer nurses.

Ararat Chronicle and Willaura and Lake Bolac Districts Recorder, 15 July 1914.

NURSES' EXAMINATION SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES. MELBOURNE. Wednesday. Successful candidates at the final examinations of the Royal Victorian Trained Nurses' Association on 15th and 16th May are announced by hospitals as follows ...  Ararat: Thelma Daly ...

Ballarat Courier, 7 June 1917

ARARAT HOSPITAL AND BENEVOLENT ASYLUM. The annual report of the above institution, which was presented to a meeting of subscribers on Thursday evening, is as under :

Matron's Report - From the report of the Acting Matron there were in the Hospital on the 30th June, 1916, 28 males and 10 females. During the year there were treated 285 males and 196 females- a total of 481 inpatients treated. Of this number 24 died, 422 were discharged and 35 remained in on 30th June, 1917; daily average, 58.6.

Staff changes - the committee regret to report the loss by resignation of the Matron, Miss J McKenzie. Steps were taken to appoint a matron to fill her place but the result was not satisfactory. Sister Welch has been off duty for some months through illness. Miss Thelma Daly, the senior nurse, is filling the position temporarily, and the committee desire to thank her for the assistance she has rendered.

Ararat Chronicle and Willaura and Lake Bolac Districts Recorder, 27 July 1917.

Awarded general certificate Ararat Hospital, September 1917. Although from the 1914 ER it seems she began her training at the Fever Hospital, Fairfield.

Staff changes – The committee regret to report, the loss by resignation of the Matron, Miss J McKenzie. Steps were taken to appoint a Matron to fill her place, but the result was not satisfactory. Sister Welch has been off duty for some months through illness. Miss Thelma Daly, the senior nurse, is filling the position temporarily, and the committee desire to thank her for the assistance she has rendered.

Ararat Chronicle and Willaura and Lake Bolac Districts Recorder, 27 July 1917.

Miss Thelma Daly of the nursing staff of the Ararat Hospital & Benevolent Asylum has been appointed to the position of matron of the St. Arnaud Hospital.

Ararat Advertiser, 13 October 1917.

ST. ARNAUD.

A HOSPITAL TROUBLE.

Recently the matron of the St. Arnaud Hospital (Miss Daly) suspended Probationer Nurse Brain for disobedience to orders, etc. The visiting committee held an enquiry. Nurse Brain apologised for her conduct, and as a result the committee ordered that she be reinstated without further penalty. At its general meeting the. ordinary committee adopted the house committee’s report. The matron (Miss Daly) and the Sistier (Sister Guim) have now resigned from the staff, as they consider it impossible to maintain discipline whilst serious offences by the junior nurses are allowed to go unpunished.

Ballarat Star, 9 June 1920.

St. Arnaud Hospital Staff

St. Arnaud – The matron (Miss Daly) and Sister Gunn, of the local hospital have resigned as a protest against the action of the committee in reinstating, without adequate punishment, a probationer nurse who had been guilty of insubordination and insolence.

The Age, 10 June 1920.

THE STAFF TROUBLE.

Matron and Sister Tender Resignations.

Following the decision of the general hospital committee to adopt the house committee's report, in which Nurse Brain's reinstatement was ordered, the matron (Miss Daly) and the Sister (Sister Gunn) have resigned from the staff. Both resignations were formally placed in the hands of the president (Lieut.-Col. Dunkley), and will take effect in a month s time.

Advocate, 17 June 1920

HOSPITAL TROUBLES. The matron (Miss Daly) and the sister (Sister, Gunn) have resigned their respective positions at the St. Arnaud Hospital as a protest against the action of the committee of management in “refusing to allow authority and discipline to be upheld in the institution. One of the probationers was recently suspended for three months for disobedience and insubordination, but the committee ordered that the probationer be reinstated without punishment. In her resignation the matron said she was “horrified at Prussianistic tactics of the committee.” At a special meeting of the. Committee, Miss McColl, of Balark, Morrisons, was appointed to the position of matron. Miss McColl was formerly of the A.I.F. nursing service. No applications were received for the position of Sister.

Ballarat Star, 23 June 1920

February 1923 appointed matron Deniliquin Hospital, see The Independent (Deniliquin,) 23 February 1923.

DENILIQUIN HOSPITAL - MONTHLY MEETING.

… Correspondence – To Matron Daly conveying to her the resolution carried at a meeting on the committee on 2nd October. “That a third probationer not be appointed and that the President and House Committee, if they think necessary to appoint a sister.” Also stating that her application read at the meeting held on 11 November, asking that a probationer be appointed had been referred to the house committee, and any actions taken to increase the staff would be in accordance with the above motion.

… From Matron Daly as follows: I again ask the committee to place Miss M. Kelly (who is at present acting as V.A.D.) on the staff as probationer. She shows signs of making a very good nurse, and I will be keenly disappointed if her services are not retained by this committee. In view of the straitened finances of the hospital I do not advocate the appointment of a sister, since the institution has already managed for some months without one. However, if the committee insist on the appointment of a sister, it should be in addition to, not instead of, the probationer I have asked for.

The daily average of patients has increased since last year, and the theatre work has practically doubled. With the probationer I have asked for, we have only sufficient nurse to perform the actual practical work, and it should be remembered that the office of a sister is more that of trainer and supervisor than an actual worker. If the appointment of a sister be decided on I would like to see Miss Lily Duncan, who is at present sister at the Fairfield Hospital, appointed to the position. If a sister is required here, she would at once forward an application and copies of her certificate. I can recommend her personally as suitable.

In reply to Mr Carew, the president said the number of the staff was the same as last month.

Mr. Carew said that was eight probationers and the matron, five domestics and a man, making a total of 15 for 22 patients.

Mr. Windeyer said that the matron’s idea was to turn the VAD, who was in receipt of £1

per weeks into a probationer at 10s per week.

Ultimately the committee members decided to continue the VAD’s services temporarily for another month and to appoint a sister if further assistance was required.

From the Independent, Deniliquin 7 December 1923.

HOSPITAL AFFAIRS.

ANOTHER RIFT IN THE LUTE.

Again, a difference has occurred between the matron of the hospital (Miss Daly) and a member of the committee, and as in a previous similar case the committee man has appealed to his co-members for a redress of his alleged grievance. Mr L. F. Probert has taken offence at certain remarks made by Miss Daly on the occasion of a house committee visit to the hospital, and the matter was ventilated at some length at the monthly meeting last Tuesday night.

A letter was read from Mr Probert, under date of November 10. in which he said he regretted having to report Matron Daly for insulting remarks made to him on his visit as one of the house committee to the hospital on  14th inst. Whilst dealing with the question of the appointment of a sister, or otherwise, Miss Daly, he stated, made the following remarks, in the presence of the president, secretary, and himself:— “You, Mr Probert, have been up against me for some months past, and always trying to interfere with me and my duties and not giving me a fair deal.” She also said: “If I were seeking advice about buying linen, I would ask Mr Ross; if I were seeking advice about buying meat, I would ask Mr Carew; if I had a drunken patient to deal with, I would ask Mr Probert’s advice.” The writer took exception to this remark, as he considered the standard of his hotel and his own reputation as a hotelkeeper did not warrant such remarks from the matron. Thinking that perhaps the matron spoke hastily and did not mean what she said, he asked her if she was; aware of what she was saying, and she replied, 'Perfectly.' repeating the word several times, He then asked her, through the president, for an apology, but she point blank refused. He desired to leave the matter in the committee's hands. If the matron could prove to him that he was in any way interfering with her in her duties he would be pleased if they would let him know. He would also ask, through the committee, for an apology from the matron on the question of 'drunken patient'; otherwise, he would not care to help with any other matters connected with the hospital whilst Matron Daly was in charge.

The letter from Mr Probert was then shown to Miss Daly, who wrote the following reply under date of December 4 :— “I have carefully read Mr Probert's letter to the committee, in which he complains of a remark made by me at a meeting of the visiting committee. This remark he evidently regards as unjust to himself and reflecting on the standard of his hotel.

 . . . Briefly, the circumstances which led up to the remark were as follows: In the course of a meeting of the visiting committee Mr Probert volunteered advice as to the proper attitude to be adopted by me in my dealings with the medical officers. As I am not especially in need of instruction on this point, I resented the tone adopted by Mr Probert and his general manner of speaking. I finally remarked that, in my opinion, a considerable improvement would be effected if certain technical points in the internal management of the hospital were left rather more in the hands of the matron. I added that if I needed an opinion about meat, I would respect Mr Carew's; if I wanted advice about linen, I would consult Mr Ross; if I had difficulty in dealing with a drunken patient, I would ask advice from Mr Probert.

In connection with this remark wish to state three things; (1) That I made no reference whatever to the way. in which he conducts his hotel,-nor to the standard of the establishment of which he is licensee, and I regret Mr. Probert should think that any disparaging reflections could possibly have been made concerning it.

(2) That the remark which caused Mr Probert annoyance was made facetiously (alter considerable provocation) and as I assured him at the time, was not intended to be insulting. The two other gentlemen included in the remark (perhaps endowed by nature with a keener sense of humor) have not complained and I am at a loss to understand why Mr Probert should have taken the matter so seriously.

3) that Mr Probert had, in my opinion, interfered in matters which did not concern him. First, he went to members of the staff seeking complaints – a step most subversive to discipline and order in any training school. Secondly, just previous to the remark he resented, he gave me gratuitous advice on the correct attitude to adopt to the medical officers. Both these matters are, in my opinion, outside his province.”

The president said that what Mr Probert had stated in his letter did take place. He had endeavored to get the matron to apologize and both Mr Windeyer and himself had interviewed the matron on two occasions without avail.

Mr Nation said the letter from the matron was not an abject apology, but it was just as good. The matron said that no offence was intended.

The president said he had been trying to pour oil on the troubled waters, but the matron would not bend.

Mr. Carew said that the incident had occurred two or three weeks back, and should have been settled long ago. Mr. Probert had been on the committee only for a short period, but during that time he had proved himself a good worker, and he had also done a good deal for the hospital in connection with the Progress Association. No doubt from Mr Probert’s letter, something had been said that should not have been, and the president had borne out Mr Probert’s statement as to the words used. He (Mr Carew) knew what construction he would have placed on the words if they had been spoken to him and he thought the matron should be asked to apologise. The proper course to have adopted would have been to call a special meeting and ask both parties to attend. If they were going to let the matter pass lightly the hospital was going to lose a good committee man, and at the present time it could not afford to do so. He asked what was the cause of the trouble.

The president said it was owing to Mr Probert going amongst the nurses asking if they had any complaints. This the matron resented and she then use the words as appeared in Mr Probert’s letter.

Mr. Carew asked if a member of the committee had the right to interview the nurses. Mr Probert thought he had been insulted and should be given a hearing.

The president said he had only received the matron’s letter that afternoon.

Mr Matthews said he did not think it a right thing for any committee man to go around and question the nurses if the matron was not present. He did not say that Mr Probert had done wrong intentionally, but he (Mr Matthews), if a member of the house committee, would not like to go to the nurses or patients and ask if they had any complaints to make. He had been a patient in the hospital, and had heard unmitigated complaints from patients about being starved when it was by the doctors orders that it was being done. Mr Probert had not been seized with his duties and had made a technical mistake. However, he did not think the matron had any right to insult any man in his business. He thought the best way out of th position was that both parties should be heard.

Mr Carew – That’s what I say.

The president said that during the conversation the matron kept referring to Dr Hosking’s opinion on appointing a sister, when Mr Probert asked if Dr. Palmer was not also a medical officer of the hospital, and then the words were used.

Mr Jefferson said he thought any member of the committee had a perfect right to ask patients if they had complaints to make, but not the staff; if the latter had any, they should write to the committee. He did not that Mr Probert had … …. months ago when the interview with the nurse had happened and she made a complaint.

Mr Windeyer said the difficulty he saw, while the remarks should not have made by the matron, was what power or capacity they had to deal with it. In his opinion, not any. If the statement was slanderous, they had nothing to do with it. He could not see they had any power in the matter, and they might do something that would land the committee in an awkward position.

Mr Nathan said no doubt Mr Probert thought he had suffered indignity by the remarks, but as committee men what could they do to solve the trouble? It also seemed to him that the matron had cause to take a little umbrage. In her opinion, Mr Probert had committed a breach of etiquette and she had stood on her dignity. They had heard the matron’s letter in explanation and no doubt the words were spoken in a moment of heat, and were not intended to reflect on Mr Probert’s integrity as a business man. The matron had high credentials and he was sure she was doing her best in the interests of the institution. To a certain extent the committee were in the hands of the matron for the proper conduct of the hospital. From the tenor of the matron’s letter, it was half an apology and he did not think they should ask any more. He moved that a copy of the matron’s letter be forwarded to Mr Probert …

The Independent, 7 December 1923

… Apparently Mr Probert was not satisfied with the matron’s reply, as at the meeting of the committee on Tuesday evening a further letter was received from him, as follows

:

Deniliquin, 10th December, 1923

The President and Committee, Deniliquin Hospital

Gentlemen, I am in receipt of your letter of the 4th instant showing motion passed your meeting in answer to mine of the 16th ultimo and note same. I regret to think it a weak reply.

Firstly, I will deal with the matron’s letter to committee in reply to my complaint. Nothing in the world will alter my opinion that the remarks referred to by matron were meant otherwise than a direct insult to me as the manner in which expression was given to same clearly indicates. To answer her remarks to my volunteering advice to her as to proper attitude to medical officers. I simply repeated to matron the medical officers’ opinion given by those gentlemen at the committee meeting, when Dr Hosking said he was satisfied to be without a sister, providing Nurse Trist passed her examination in November and Dr Palmer held out that in his opinion there should always be a sister. Matron then said she had again interviewed Dr Hosking and he was satisfied with the management as it existed, without the appointment of a sister.

I then asked matron had she interviewed Dr. Palmer on the matter. She said she had not seen Dr Palmer on the question at all. I then asked matron did she not consider Dr Palmer’s opinion should also be obtained and also did she not consider both doctors on the same medical standard in the hospital. She simply said she had not seen Dr Palmer on the matter. That Gentlemen, is the only discussion I had with the matron on the medical officers. I do not want it inferred that I respect Dr Palmer’s any more than I do Dr Hosking’s; but as both gentlemen are medical officers at the hospital I desired to know if the matron had spoken to them both in the matter.

In answer to complaint of interviewing members of the staff as to complaints, the matron has endeavored to make it appear as though I made a personal canvass amongst the nurses

On either my first or second visit as committee man, I noticed one of the nurses seemed very upset whilst doing her duties in the men’s ward. I went over to her and asked what was the matter. She was crying at the time. She said she could not put up with the matron much longer as she (the matron) was making it very unpleasant for her. I told her not to upset herself so; if she had a complaint to put it in writing to the committee and they would deal with it.

And you, Gentlemen, will remember that you did receive a letter from the nurse referred to complaining of the matron. Also, a letter from the matron complaining of nurse referred to; and later letters from both parties withdrawing their letters of complaint which the committee allowed to … … So there is little doubt I had every cause to ask this nurse what her trouble was, seeing that she was upset whilst on duty.

… Gentlemen, I do not accept a word in the matron’s letters in any shape as an apology as I feel quite sure it was not meant for one.

.. and simply ask you to accept my resignation from your committee …

Independent, 11 January 1924.

As the result of a difference with the matron of the Deniliquin Hospital, Mr. L. F. Probert, one of the most active workers on the committee tendered his resignation at the last meeting. It was accepted with much regret. The secretary (Mr. F. B. Kennedy) wrote asking that his salary (£100 with £15 allowance) should be increased by £26. It was decided to hold the matter over till the new committee took office. Mr. Kennedy then tendered his resignation, but was induced to hold it over till the annual meeting on condition that the committee should define the duties of matron and secretary, also who was to carry out the clerical work of the institution. It was intimated at the meeting that several of the retiring committee would not be seeking re-election, including Mr. Carew, who had served 26 years on the committee.

Riverina Grazier, 15 January 1924

The Matron Won.

The Matron at the Deniliquin Public Hospital put one over a committee man the other day. This is what occurred. On the House Committee, there is a draper, a butcher and a publican. The publican thought that he was being ignored, and complained to the matron that his advice was never asked on any matters. She replied, 'If I want advice on buying clothing, I will consult a draper, if on meat, a butcher; and if I want advice on handling a drunken patient, I will ask you. There is a decided coolness between the vanquisher and vanquished.

The Inverell Times, 18 January 1924.

DENILIQUIN HOSPITAL - MONTHLY MEETING.

… Correspondence - -From the Matron: There is at present a vacancy for a probationer which I should like to see filled as soon as possible. Permission to keep an extra probationer was granted by the committee some months ago. This step was taken so as to enable a second night nurse to be kept, this being considered essential by both doctors and myself. However, no permanent appointment was made, but for the bulk of the time a V.A.D. has been employed at double the salary which would be received by a first year probationer, I would point out to the committee the advisability of appointing a probationer permanently. There are at present three applicants for probationership — Misses Cantwell, Faulks. And Mackrell-and I should like to see one of them appointed as soon as possible.

Further, I think it would now be advisable to employ a sister temporarily. When take my annual holiday it will be necessary to leave the hospital in charge of a fully qualified nurse. As the hospital is now very busy, the isolation ward is open and one probationer will very shortly be completing her training. I would advise appointing a sister as soon as possible so that she may get accustomed to the hospital before I leave on holidays. Miss Mabel Whitbread. who is a fully qualified nurse at present in Deniliquin. would be willing to accept a sistership temporarily, and should, I think, fill the position satisfactorily.

On the motion of Messrs Nathan and Coogan, the recommendation of the matron to engage Miss Whitbread temporarily was adopted, and the period of her engagement was left in the hands of the president and secretary. With regard to the appointment of another probationer, the matter was held over until next meeting on the motion of Messrs Jones and Jefferson.

The Independent, 18 April 1924.

DOINGS IN DIFFERENT DISTRICTS

PARS FROM ALL PARTS

For some time, past disagreements of a serious nature have been allegedly going on at the Deniliquin District Hospital (says the 'Independent') and the climax was reached on Wednesday of last week, when on a complaint by Dr. Palmer, Matron Daly was asked by the committee at a special meeting to resign. On the following afternoon there was a further special meeting held, when the reply was received from the matron tendering her resignation. This was accepted, and it was decided that applications should be called for the position immediately.

Riverine Grazier, Hay 24 June 1924.

The board offered Thelma her salary from 1st June until her date of leaving, one month’s salary in lieu of holidays, together with one month’s salary and railway fare. See The Independent, Deniliquin 11 July 1924.

LATE COUNTRY NEWS.

...  DENILIQUIN.- Thelma Daly, who recently resigned the position of matron of the district hospital, has left Deniliquin.

The Age, 26 July 1924.

WARRACKNABEAL.

… Strong exception has been taken by the committee of the Warracknabeal District Hospital to the provision that country hospitals with a daily average of less than 40 beds must train probationers for four years instead of two The clause practically meant the prohibition of probationers so far as country hospitals were concerned, because girls would not volunteer for so long a period

Sister McIntyre has resigned from the position of matron of the Warracknabeal District Hospital Sister Daly was appointed in her place.

Argus, 14 April 1925

WARRACKNABEAL - … Matron Daly has resigned from charge of the institution …

The Age, 18 June 1927

1928 ER listed as a trained nurse at 30 Camp Street, Ballarat.

From the ODH House Committee report, 21 August 1928 – 9 applications were received for the position of Matron – Miss Longford, Miss Daly, Miss Rowand, Miss Daw, Miss Flayle, Miss Roberts, Miss Lyons, Miss Hickey, and Miss Wilcock – and after an exhaustive perusal of the testimonials – it was agreed to reduce them to 3 & Sisters Hickey, Lyons and Daly were referred to the board.

From the ODH Board of Management meeting held 21 August 1928 - Matron - August 24th 1928 … met to consider applications and to select a matron - after an exhaustive examination and perusal of the nine applications it was agreed to appoint Miss Thelma Daly and the secretary was instructed to telegraph her to arrange for her to commence as soon as possible.

Miss Thelma Daly has been appointed Matron of the Ovens District Hospital.

Countryman, 7 September 1928.

From the ODH House Committee report, 16 October 1928 – In accordance with a resolution of the Board at last meeting appointing the President, and Chairman of the House Committee and Mr. L.H. Sambell, a sub committee to consider applications for the position of Matron to appoint whom they considered to be most suitable, these gentlemen met on the 24th of August at the office of the President and after an exhaustion consideration they decided as follows: 1st Miss Thelma Daly, and failing her acceptance that Miss Mona Hickey or Miss Lyons be appointed. Miss Daly accepted the position and commenced duty on the 3rd of September and Miss Mona Hickey accepted the position of sister and she also commenced duty on the same date and they are working in perfect harmony and absolutely in the interests of the Institution and patients.

… Matron applied for calico for sheeting and quilts at a later date recommended that the calico be obtained at once and the quilts when required.

From Argus, 26 Dec 1928

Matron Daly has resigned from the charge of the Warracknabeal Hospital to go to Ararat.

1928 ER – 30 Camp Street, Ballarat – trained nurse

From the minutes of the Ovens District Hospital Board Meeting held 21 August, 1928- under an addendum at the bottom of the page is written:

Matron – August 24th 1928 … met to consider applications and to select a matron – after an exhaustive examination and perusal of the nine applications it was agreed to appoint Miss Thelma Daly and the secretary was instructed to telegraph her to arrange for her to commence as soon as possible.

Argus, 7 September 1928.

COUNTRY NEWS.

Beechworth

Miss Thelma Daly has taken up her duty as matron, and … at the Ovens District Hospital.

HAY - … Twelve applications were received by the Hay Hospital committee for the position of matron. Miss Daly, matron, of Beechworth, was appointed, with Miss Roberts, matron, of Melbourne, second preference, The committee was later Informed by Miss Daly that was unable to accept the appointment.

The Age, 17 January 1929.

From the ODH House Committee report, 16 April 1929 – The secretary was directed to see Matron re Mary Binnis. President agreed to see matron re duties of secretary and herself re the appointment of W. Carroll and letter from Nurses Board re taking trained nurses for 6 months.

From the ODH House Committee report, 21 May 1929 – As directed at last meeting I [the secretary] I informed the matron that the committee wished to dispense with the services of Mary Binnis one of the maids, and this has been attended to and Patricia Gilchrist has been engaged by matron to fill the vacancy.

… The president mentioned that there was certain friction between the Secretary [Neil Sutherland] and matron and suggested a meeting to consider the matter. It was agreed to hold a meeting of the House Committee on Friday evening next at 7.30 p.m.

Special Meeting of the House Committee 24 May 1929 – It having been brought under the notice of the House Committee that there had apparently been some overlapping in the carrying out by the Secretary and the Matron and the Dispenser of their respective duties and accordingly some friction which it is desirable in the interests of the hospital should if possible be avoided a special meeting of the house committee was held on 24 May 1929 to consider whether the existing rules and regulations of the hospital if carried out would cause overlapping in the duties of these various officers.

After considering the existing rules of the Committee … the committee makes the following recommendations:

1.      That the secretary carry out his duties in accordance with the existing rules and that his attention be particularly drawn to Rule 19.

2.      That the matron carry out her duties in accordance with the existing rules and that her attention be particularly drawn to Rules 14, 26, 33 & 48 …

From the ODH House Committee report, 26 September 1929 – Four probationer nurses, 2 sisters, one maid and the yardsman have left the employ of the institution during the past month.

From the ODH House Committee report, 15 October 1929 – Matron asked for 1 cot mattress, 3 pillows and sheet wadding …

From the ODH House Committee report, 19 November 1929 – Matron requested rubber sheeting …

From the ODH House Committee report, 19 February 1929 – Matron reports that she is engaging another maid.

From the ODH House Committee report, 18 March 1930 – … it was recommended that when in Beechworth [secretary] the ambulance not be allowed to go out without his knowledge except by the Police and when out of Beechworth he arrange with the matron during his absence except in the case of accident. The president undertook to see the matron in regard to more amicable working with the secretary [Neil Sutherland].

COUNTRY NEWS.

BEECHWORTH.

The Ovens District Hospital, Beechworth, has an overdraft of £2,200, and, the financial position having become acute, the committee has decided to organise a fair and art union.

Argus, 28 March 1930.

From the ODH House Committee report, 19 August 1930 – … it was recommended that Matron be advised to let two or three trainees away for their annual holidays while work was slack.

BEECHWORTH – At the meeting of the Ovens District Hospital, Mr Neil Sutherland, secretary and superintendent and Matron Daly both offered to accept reduced salaries owing to the heavy overdraft, which exceeds £2,000. …

Argus, 8 October 1930.

From the ODH House Committee report, 17 March 1931 – The Secretary mentioned that the matron often held money received from patients for a considerable time and on one occasion she had banked it herself as he the secretary was away for one night – and the money had been in hand for some time. The institution is paying interest on an overdraft and according to the rules the secretary must bank all monies once a week or oftener. It was agreed to instruct the matron to pay all monies collected by her to the secretary within 24 hours of receipt by her of same.

From the ODH House Committee report, 21 April 1931 – that a letter of thanks be forwarded to Matron for carrying on without extra help during Sister Lane’s absence on holidays.

From the ODH House Committee report, 16 June 1931 – Matron asked for three to four days off to go to Melbourne

From the ODH House Committee report, 19 August 1931 – The Chairman said that the matron has asked for extra accommodation for herself as her rest was disturbed by various noises – it was agreed to recommend this to the General Committee. 

Letter from Thelma Daly, Matron to the President and Committee, Ovens District Hospital dated 24 September 1931:

Gentlemen,

I would be very thankful to get the board room as a room. I would suggest brackets being placed so that I could put curtains across the room and divide it into two. If one bracket could be placed about the level of the top of the bookcase, just where it touches the wall over the mantelpiece and the other bracket on the opposite wall over the hangers, I think nothing else would be required and I would be very grateful to get the room.

Yours faithfully, Thelma Daly, (Matron).

From the ODH House Committee report, 29 September 1931 – A list of repairs was forwarded by the matron and it was agreed to get Mr Wareham to attend to them.

A letter was received from matron in reply to one forwarded to her by the committee offering to renovate the Board Room or another room. She expressed her thanks for the offer of the Board Room as a bed sitting room and suggested that brackets be placed to hold a rod so that she could put curtains across the room as a bed sitting room to divide it and that nothing else would be required.

It was recommended that matron’s suggestion re placing a rod across the board room be granted and that the iron safe be removed to what is at present matron’s sitting room, also that the bookshelves and pigeon holes be removed.

From the ODH House Committee report, 20 October 1931 – The secretary reported that the repairs referred to by the matron at last meeting had been attended to … Matron was called into the meeting and she explained where she would like a rod and brackets fitted to divide the board room into a bed sitting room.

The secretary was directed to ask matron for the nurses applications that [she] had on hand.

From the ODH House Committee report, 17 November 1931 – The secretary reported that the iron safe and other office furniture had been removed from the board room and that matron’s wardrobe had been removed from her former bedroom and fixed in the board room and a rod was placed across the board room for curtains. Some minor repairs were necessary.

Matron was now occupying it as a bed sitting room. Her former bedroom will need a little renovation if it is to be used as a private ward.

From the ODH House Committee report, 15 December 1931 – Matron asked for a bell from her sitting room to the balcony on back verandah. Secretary instructed to ask Mr Churchill for a price.

Matron complained that rust affected the clothes while being washed in laundry. Secretary instructed to have boiler emptied and troughs and taps seen to.

From the ODH House Committee report, 19 January 1932 – Matron asked permission to let the kitchen staff work over time. After consideration it was agreed to recommend that casual assistance be engaged in preference to working the girls overtime.

The matter of providing and equipping a private ward was discussed and matron was questioned on the matter. It was agreed that the room would need papering, and that wardrobe, dressing table with mirror, 2 hearth rugs, 2 chairs, a settee and curtains were required.

Matron applied for extra temporary nursing assistance which was recommended. Nurse Channon to be engaged if practicable …recommended no further applications for trainees to be received for the present.

From the ODH House Committee report, 15 March 1932 – As directed at last meeting I notified matron to ask nurse McGladery to endeavour to obtain an engagement in Melbourne for her 4th year …I also notified Matron to the effect that the committee did not intend to retain probationer nurses after their third year.

From the ODH House Committee report, 17 May 1932 – She [Matron] also requested permission to run a Euchre Party and dance (?) in aid of the hospital – recommended that such be granted.

From the ODH House Committee report, 18 July 1932 – Matron’s report, was received and it was recommended that she be granted her annual holiday on 18th of August …

From The Age, 16 August 1932 – Thanks Badge – Members of the Beechworth Girl Guides presented a ‘thanks’ badge to Matron Daly of Ovens District Hospital, in appreciation of assistance rendered in lectures on first aid and ambulance work.

From the ODH House Committee report, 27 September 1932 – Matron’s report, was read and received: it was recommended that an extra light be added to the intermediate ward and that a local probationer be advertised for. …Matron asked that the usual Christmas appeal be discontinued and that she organise an American tea instead. It was recommended that the Matron be authorised to organise an American Tea and that the usual appeal be carried out by the Secretary.

From the ODH House Committee report, 21 March 1933 – Matron’s report, was received recommending that nurse Collins be engaged whilst Sister Lane is on holidays. She would accept the same salary as Sister Lane and there would not be any travelling expenses as she was staying with her parents at Back Creek, Yackandandah … with the exception of the appointment of a sister to take Sister Lane’s place during her absence on 3 weeks annual holiday – it was unanimously agreed by the board that Sister Channon of this town be engaged, if available, during Sister Lane’s absence.

From the ODH House Committee report, 18 April 1933 – The matron reported that there was no room for more female patients from Melbourne but there was ample room for male patients …

From the ODH House Committee report, 21 November 1933 – Matron’s Report, was read and received. She recommended the undermentioned as probationer nurses in order of preference.

1.  Ida Taylor, Bright

2.  Nola Weston, Porepunkah

3.  Doris Broadbent, Greta

4.  Carmel Ryan, Wodonga

Matron asked permission to purchase some clothing for Jean B????, a Charities Board patient.

The ODH advertised for a matron at a salary of £170 p.a. - see Argus newspaper, 2 December 1933. This indicates that Thelma soon after the 21 November House Committee meeting.

 1933 ER “Rathgar”, 149 Victoria Rd, East Hawthorn, the home of her parents. A very fancy house. (Owned by Dr Cutts in 1891) – picture on web.

1936-1937 ER living at parents' home 149 Victoria Road, Hawthorn

March 1939 - appointed matron Creswick District Hospital, see the Age, 16 March 1939.

ER 1942 Sanatorium in Cheltenham – nurse. Sanatorium known as Heatherton Sanatorium Hospital.

1943 at 139 Sydney Road, Brunswick.

1949 ER – 6 Staughton Road, Glen Iris.

1954 ER - 78 Kinkora Road Hawthorn - nurse

1963 ER living at 41 Stevenson Street, Kew - nurse

Died at St. Vincent’s Hospital, 17 August 1965.

Cremated Springvale, 19 August 1965.

Death notice in Age newspaper dated 18 & 19 Aug 1965.

©  Anne Hanson 2023