1940 - CHARLES BURTON BOEHM

Charles Burton Boehm came to Yallourn in 1922 following his period of service in the Royal Australian Navy during World War: I; and he worked with the SECV until his retirement in 1950. During those years, as a resident of Yallourn, he served on a long list of sporting and social committees with indefatigable enthusiasm.

The following article was published in ‘The Argus’ in November 1940 and deals with Mr Boehm’s appointment as the Engineer in Charge of Briquette Production at Yallourn. The article is also interesting because it provides some insight into Charles’ background prior to his arrival in Yallourn.

Note: The footnotes accompanying this article attempt to provide some measure of Charles’ disposition to serve as an office bearer in various Yallourn organizations.

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NOVEMBER 1st 1940 ‘THE ARGUS’ PAGE: 6

PRODUCTION OF BRIQUETTES
Mr. C. B. Boehm's Post

Mr. C. B. Boehm has been appointed engineer in charge of briquette production of the State Electricity Commission. Mr. Boehm joined the commission in 1922, and was appointed manager of the briquette factory at Yallourn in 1924.

Briquettes were placed on the Victorian market in December 1924, and he has superintended the manufacture of this fuel from the production of the first briquette at the experimental factory (when the output was only 300 tons a day) to the present commercial production, with an output of 1,200 tons a day, seven days a week.

Mr. Boehm is a native of Williamstown, but he received most of his engineering education abroad, and holds the Diploma of Mechanical Engineering. A returned soldier, he is one of the original members of the Yallourn branch of the R.S.L. of
which he has been chairman for the last three years. He has been chairman of the S.E.C. Safety Council since its inception.

FOOTNOTES REGARDING CHARLES BOEHM

1. A search of the family name ‘Boehm’ uncovered that Herman Bohm /Boehm was born in 1853 at Newmark in Prussia (now present-day Northern Germany-Poland). He sailed from Hamburg on 11th May 1879, aboard the vessel ‘The Sophie’, which docked in Adelaide on the 22 August 1879. Herman was listed as being a cabinetmaker. There is no direct evidence that Herman was related to Charles and it is difficult to trace Charles Boehm’s date of birth and lineage.

2. A search of the Nominal Roll of World War: I failed to throw any further light on Charles Boehm’s service record. Of the six family names of ‘Boehm’ registered on the roll, the name Charles Burton does not appear. However, a lone source of information states that Charles Boehm served with the Royal Australian Navy in New Guinea and with the AIF in France.

3. There is no existing proof, but perhaps it was in France that Charles Boehm first crossed paths with General John Monash who was in command of the 3rd Division AIF in 1916. General Monash later took charge of Australian Corps in 1918.

4. Newspaper articles, which refer to Mr Boehm, can be traced as far back as 1927. One item in May that year, reported that Mr Boehm had travelled to Germany on a fact-finding mission regarding the techniques of briquette production. Further research on Charles’ trip to Europe (above) uncovered the fact that Sir John Monash had specifically directed Charles to…
“…make himself conversant with the technicalities associated with factory equipment.” ‘Daily Standard ‘(Brisbane) January 18th 1927.

5. In her book ‘Yallourn Was‘, Prue McGoldrick states that…
“For many years he (Charles) made a daily round to talk with each man in the briquette factory ….Acutely aware of the inherent danger of factory explosions from the fine coal dust-from briquette making-and in lieu of danger money, he set up a compensation fund of one penny per week each week.” Page: 178.

6. Charles Boehm was president of the Yallourn SEC Athletic Club in 1933; and it is known that he played a leading role in organizing a night of weight-lifting, boxing and wrestling at the St John’s Hall in July that year…
“S.E.C. Athletic Club…On Friday evening last in St. John's Hall, a most appreciative audience witnessed a display of weight lifting, wrestling and boxing which was without doubt the best entertainment of its kind ever held at Yallourn. The Melbourne Branch of the S.E.C. Athletic Club were represented by some 25 of the finest sportsmen one would ever wish to meet ...” ‘Morwell Advertiser’ July 20th 1933.

7. Charles was, at one time, the President of the Yallourn Orchestral Society.

8. In 1930, Charles was the SECV appointee on the recreation reserves/ovals that were used by the various sporting bodies of Yallourn.

9. Charles was founding member of the Yallourn Band Committee which came into being in November 1925. The Patrons of the Yallourn Band were Sir John Monash and C.H. Kernot. Charles had a lengthy involvement in the town band and the ‘Morwell Advertiser’ reported that was elected President of the Yallourn and District Band in 1934.

10. In 1934, Charles Boehm played a leading role in outlining the production of briquettes to a group of visiting engineers from the Australian institute of Engineers. The meeting/forum was held at the Yallourn Fire Brigade Hall.

11. Charles also represented Yallourn RSL at the Gippsland Bridge (cards) Championship which was held at Yallourn in 1935. It appears as though teams from various towns throughout Gippsland participated in the event and the winning team received a silver cup, which was donated by *Fred Hesse Pty Ltd.
*Note: Fred Hesse took over Sharpe’s Emporium in Traralgon in 1932. Fred Hesse was a well city-based known tailor.

12. Charles Boehm was mentioned in ‘The Age’ when he was elected to Civic Association of Yallourn in 1935. The Civic Association was the first-ever body in Yallourn to represent the residents in discussions and negotiations with the SECV regarding civic matters…
“The Initial election of councillors to the newly formed Civic Association resulted:- Dr. J. Moore-Andrew, Messr: Beanland, C. B. Boehm, A. J. Ross, W. P. Brown, L. K. Warfe, W. K. Murray, W. H. Brewer, C. J. Poglar, A. M. Rudge, Rev. E Franklin-Cooper, and Mrs. II.- Taylor. The council has chosen Mr. C. H. Beanland president, and Messrs. Murray and Ross secretary and treasurer, respectively. Matters which are to receive the early attention of the council include reduction of local electric light charges, house rents, town hall, sewerage for township, street lighting and the establishment of a bureau for the registering of entertainments.” ‘The Age 11th December 1935. page 16.

13. 1935 was an extremely busy year for Charles as he was elected to the position of President of the Yallourn Football Club. In a somewhat disappointing end to that season, Maffra defeated Yallourn in a thrilling Grand Final at Sale. One of the great stalwarts of the YFC, Peter O’Neill, was the club captain that season.

14. As mentioned above, Charles was elected President of the Yallourn RSL sometime in the late 1930’s; and, among his other duties, he played a pivotal role in caring for returned servicemen and their families. It is believed that Charles Boehm served as President of the Yallourn RSL until 1944.

15. In 1937, Charles was elected president of Yallourn First Aid club….
“A first aid club has been formed at the briquette factory. Three months' courses will be held, and at the end of each quarter there will be examinations. Officers elected were: President: Mr C. Boehm. Vice-Presidents: Mr H. G. Nairn. Honorary Secretary: Mr H. Graham. Hon. Instructor: Mr F. Nunweek.” Morwell Advertiser August 5th 1937

16. Charles was again elected President of the Yallourn Swimming & Life Saving Club in 1939…
“Mr C. B. Boehm was elected president for the fourth successive year” ‘Weekly Times’ November 18th 1939.

17. He also attained a peculiar title of ‘King of the Army’; and the following newspaper extract may help to explain his so-called ‘crowning’ at the Yallourn Ball in 1941...
“…At the coronation ball in the Military Hall, Yallourn, attended by more than 500 guests, the king of the army, Mr. C. Boehm, was announced winner of the three king carnival. Lieut. McDonald as king of the air force, was second; Mr. E. Given, king of the navy, third. About £500 raised at the carnival will be donated to patriotic funds.” ‘The Age’ September 6th 1941.

18. In his capacity of Chairman of the School Council, Charles was a keynote speaker at the official opening of the new buildings at the Yallourn Technical School in 1942. The new additions to the school included a science laboratory, clay modelling room, sheet metal and electrical wiring workshops.

19. It is reported in several sources that Charles was an active member of the Yallourn and Morwell Gun Club.

20. Charles made the news when he gave evidence before Judge Streeton at the enquiry into the fires in the Open Cut in 1944…
“ High praise for the manner in which the staff of the briquetting factory at the Yallourn open cut worked to prevent the fires extending to that part of the under- taking on February 14, was expressed by Charles Burton Boehm, engineer in charge of briquette production, when the inquiry into the Yallourn fires was continued today before Judge Stretton, Royal Commissioner. Mr Boehm said that his experience on that day had confirmed his conviction that the fire-fighting measures in the area under his control were sound. and he did not think they could be improved upon.” ‘The Argus’ March 4th 1944.

21. In April 1946, Charles gave an address at the Morwell Rotary Club in which he outlined the extent of coal deposits in the Maryvale area. In his speech, he cited the following interesting contrast between coal, won at the Yallourn mine, compared to that at Morwell…
“It takes four tons of raw Yallourn coal to make one ton of briquettes, while three tons of Morwell coal will make the same quantity. The Melbourne market consumes at present 4,000 tons of briquettes daily, but this consumption; rate' will probably increase in 15 years to. 8-10,000 tons a day. The Morwell plan will cost £12,000,000. and the life of the plant is estimated at 40 years.” ‘Morwell Advertiser’ April 11th 1946

22. On October 7th 1948, the ‘Morwell Advertiser’ carried a most comprehensive article which ran to more than 2000 words about Charles Boehm. The banner headline stated… ‘Yallourn Diggers Farewell C.B Boehm…Affectionate Tributes from Old Comrades’.
Included in that newspaper report was Charles’ response to a presentation that was made to him on that auspicious occasion…
“Mr. Boehm, whose rising was greeted with sustained applause, expressed his sincere appreciation of the night and the opportunity to partake of the atmosphere of the club. He could not recall ever having felt so embarrassed. On many other occasions, he had made the presentations and the speeches, but on that night the positions were reversed. ….He had been one of the fortunate ones and, because of that there was no need to be harsh towards others not so fortunately placed. Every' self-respecting man and digger would have done the same. He had always taken the view that he worked with men and not over them. No great praise was due to him for helping diggers.”

23. According to records of the State Records of NSW it documented that Charles Burton Boehm died on 7th 1965. Further, the archives at the State Library of Victoria, indicate that Charles had lived at Merimbula in later years and passed away the Bega Hospital.
A FINAL TRIBUTE TO CHARLES BY PRUE MCGOLDRICK
Prue McGoldrick’s tribute, regarding the contribution that Charles Burton Boehm made to the workers at the briquette factory and the people of Yallourn, is a succinct summary of a man who gave much to the town…
“His (Charles Boehm) influence and the common danger shared with his men, helped build a great family spirit among briquette factory personnel. When he retired in 1950, he had also taken a leading part in the social and sporting activities of the town.” ‘Yallourn Was’ Page: 178.

APOLOGIES & CAN YOU HELP?
1. The digital copy of the above newspaper extract was extremely difficult to read and apologies for any spelling errors of family names in the above footnotes.
2. Every attempt has been made to verify the above footnotes about Charles Boehm, particularly about his military service and family background. Any further information and clarification about his life would be welcomed.
3. Despite an extensive search of several of texts (including references at the State Library of Victoria), a photograph of Charles Boehm could not be found for this article. It is hard to believe that a photo of such a notable figure in Yallourn’s history cannot be found. Hopefully, a reader of this story may be able to assist in forwarding a photo of Charles to Julie for posting on the website.
4. Special thanks to Kylie Best at the State Library of Victoria for her thorough and painstaking efforts in trying to secure a photo of Charles for Virtual Yallourn-it was greatly appreciated. (Roger and Julie).
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This story is part of a history project entitled ‘From the Newspapers’ and a full list of titles in this series can be obtained by contacting Julie George.
The research and writing were undertaken by Roger Spaull; and the posting and presentation of photographs and of this article were completed by Julie George for the Virtual Yallourn website in July 2019.
The above extract from the ‘The Argus’ has been faithfully reproduced. The only amendments to the original copy are the font style, font size and spacing, so as to enhance the story for the purposes of posting on the Virtual Yallourn website.

YALLOURN’S GLOOMCHASERS ORCHESTRA & JOCK SLOAN

The following brief advertisement was published in ‘The Advocate’ in 1930; and refers to a popular local orchestra known as ‘The Gloomchasers’ being the main attraction at Yallourn Catholic Church’s Annual Ball.

The background information regarding the Gloomchasers is interesting; and underlines how the group became ‘much sought-after’ for social functions throughout the district. The Gloomchasers Orchestra played a major role in the social gatherings in Yallourn and other nearby towns during those years.

The orchestra was established sometime in the late 1920’s. The name of the group may have originated from the type of music that endeavored to chase away the gloom that burdened so many people during those austere times of the Great Depression.

The footnotes, which accompany this article, attempt to provide some background information regarding the death of a local musician named Jock Sloan. Jock appears to have been a popular figure in the Gloomchasers and a vibrant personality in and around Yallourn.

September 25th 1930 ‘ THE ADVOCATE’ Page: 25
YALLOURN. On Tuesday next, the Annual Catholic ball will be held at Yallourn, when a record attendance is expected. The committee has engaged the services of the famous ‘Gloomchasers’ orchestra, which has become so popular at functions of this kind.
The catering arrangements are being planned on a lavish scale by the ladies' committee. Secretarial duties will be in the hands of Mr. A. V. Slater.

FOOTNOTES
1. ‘The Advocate’ was a Melbourne based newspaper that was first published in 1868. It was once described as the ‘Australian Illustrated Weekly’ with a major emphasis upon news from Ireland and, in later years, it was published for the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.
2. The first documented record of the Yallourn Gloomchasers Orchestra (or band as it was sometimes called) was in February 1929 when the group performed at the Morwell Ladies’ Croquet Club Grand Ball at the Mechanics Hall….
“The hall was tastefully decorated, the floor in excellent order and good music provided by the "Gloom chasers" Orchestra of Yallourn. Supper, provided by Meadows, was served and nothing was left undone to ensure all present spending an enjoyable time.” Source: ‘The Morwell Advertiser.’ 1st March 1929.
3. It seems that the orchestra was well-accepted for its entertainment value and, according to the newspaper reports of the time, had a steady stream of bookings for functions in Yallourn and the surrounding district.
4. Advertisements of that era highlighted that the orchestra could provide music for both old time and modern dancing. Perhaps the size of the group depended on: (i) The nature of the event and (ii) How much local clubs and organizations could afford to pay for professional musicians in those grim times. It is difficult to establish the number of members in the group and the complete range of instruments that they played. In those days, most bands comprised at least a piano, drum, accordion and perhaps a wind instrument (eg saxophone).
5. From studying the papers of that era, it was discovered that the orchestra played at various clubs and venues throughout Gippsland including…
• Trafalgar Rovers Football Club Annual Ball
• Morwell Tennis Club Ball
• The Hibernian Ball
• Morwell Spinsters at Home Gathering
• St Theresa’s Church Hall - fund raising dances at Yallourn
• Yallourn Football Club End of Season Ball
• Mirboo South Grand Ball
• The ANA dances at the Yallourn Fire Brigade Hall
• Brown Coal Mine dances
• The Yinnar Wanderers Football Club Annual Ball
• St Mary’s Church of England Building Fund Grand Ball (Morwell)
6. The list goes on; and documented reports, from the various functions, indicate that the orchestra always gave spirited and energetic performances. One press report described the music of the orchestra as ‘delightful’ while another comment was ‘excellent.’
7. It is known that the Gloomchasers Orchestra and another local musical group called ‘The Sundowners’ provided continuous dance music, from 8.30pm until 2.30am, at the Foundation Ball of the Australian Natives Association which was held at the St John’s Hall in Yallourn in January 1933.
8. One of the special events at which the orchestra featured was the Yallourn Grand Charity Ball in October 1930. The function was organised by the Yallourn and Brown Coal Mine Benevolent and Distress Society and all proceeds were donated to those local residents who suffered hardship (ie due to unemployment). The evening was a resounding success and the Gloomchasers Orchestra, together with the Yallourn Brass Band, received great praise for their contribution in assisting the organizers to raise more £140.0.0 (pounds)….
“The "Gloomchasers" Orchestra afterwards took up the strains and modern and old-time dancing was indulged in to excellent ta music provided by them till the early hours of the morning.” Source: ‘The Morwell Advertiser.’ 31st October 1930.
9. There is no evidence to support the following idea but perhaps there were many talented musicians among the hundreds of men in the camps at that time.
10. The names of the musicians were difficult to uncover but it is known that one of the principal members of the Gloomchasers, in earlier times, was a young man named Jock Sloan. Unfortunately, Jock died in the most tragic of circumstances. On the morning of 20th August 1930, Jock was hit by a train while crossing the railway line on his way to work one morning near the Yallourn Power House …
“Jock passed away, death being due to internal injuries. Deceased, who was 22 years of age, was a member of the well-known Yallourn Gloomchasers Orchestra, whose services have been much in demand for some considerable time past-both at home and abroad. He was also a member of the Morwell football team and took part in second semi-final match played at Mirboo North, on Saturday last. He was a sober, industrious young man, and was held in high esteem by all with whom he came in contact.”
11. Furthermore, in the same article…
“Much sympathy is expressed for the deceased's father and brothers in their sad and sudden bereavement. The coffin was carried from hearse to grave by members of "Gloomchasers" Orchestra, whilst the President, Secretary and other members of Morwell Football Club were the pall bearers. Among the many floral tributes were beautiful wreaths from Morwell Football Club, Gloomchasers Orchestra, Comrades, and others.” Source: ‘The Morwell Advertiser’ August 22nd 1930.
12. ‘In Memoriam’ notices, regarding Jock’s passing, were placed in local papers in 1932 and 1933. The 1933 notice read as follows…
“In Memoriam SLOAN. In fond remembrance of our much-loved comrade and esteemed member of our orchestra-Jock Sloan, who passed away on August 20th, 1930. “Gone but not Forgotten." -Inserted by members of the Gloomchasers Orchestra, Yallourn. Thanks.” Source: ‘The Morwell Advertiser.’ 24th August 1933.
13. There appears to be no obvious references to the Gloomchasers Orchestra in Gippsland newspapers after 1934. However, the same name ‘crops up’ again in an item published in the Crookwell CWA Gazette in 1937…
“In 1937 ….A baby show and C.W.A ball were held to raise funds for the rest room. The "Gloomchasers" orchestra was engaged for the ball. (What a lovely name for an orchestra, particularly considering the state of the economy at that time!)”
Note: Crookwell is a small town located on the Southern Tablelands of NSW about 240km South-West of Sydney.
14. The name Gloomchasers Orchestra appears regularly in various New South Wales newspapers in the period 1920-50. It seems fair to suggest that there was more than one Gloomchasers Orchestras.
15. ‘Gloomchasers’ is also the name given to a band that was formed by Australian guitarist Nic Dalton (born 1964).

CAN YOU HELP WITH FURTHER INFORMATION?
Jock Sloan was the eldest son of Mr D. Sloan (a Yallourn resident). Perhaps relatives or friends of the Sloan family may be able to add to the above story of the Gloomchasers Orchestra. Please contact Julie if you can provide further information for the website. Thank you.

The footnotes for this story were researched and written by Roger Spaull and the article was presented and posted by Julie George for the Virtual Yallourn website in June 2019. The above advertisement from ‘The Advocate’ in 1930 has been faithfully reproduced. The only amendments to the original copy are the font style, font size and spacing, to enhance the article for purposes of posting on the Virtual Yallourn website.

The ‘beginnings’ of YALLOURN HOCKEY CLUB by Veronica Lacey – 1.3.2017
The following article is a brief account of Yallourn Hockey Club which includes available information up to approximately 1984.
The Yallourn Hockey Club was formed in 1956 as a result of the Morwell “Golds” Hockey team (a High School team led by teacher, Mr. Nicholls) resolving to form an independent team and affiliate with the Traralgon Women’s Hockey Association (later becoming the Latrobe Valley Women’s Hockey Association (LVWHA).
Note: The minutes of the Inaugural meeting and following meetings are supplied.
• Life Members of the Club:
Mr. Ted Polkinghorne (1965), Veronica Lacey and Janice Houston (1978)
• Winners of many L.V. Premierships:
“A” Grade Premierships: 1957, 1972,1975, 1977,1978,1979,1980,1981 &1983
“B” Grade Premierships: 1976, 1978,1979
“C” Grade Premierships: 1976, 1979
The Yallourn Town Advisory Council held a Civic Reception for the Club in 1979 in honour of winning all three Premierships, presenting all players with an individual pennant.
• Yallourn players featured in LVWHA Best & Fairest Awards:
The first “A” Grade winner was star winger Pat Middlemiss in 1969, Val Harrigan, Judy Mitchell, Veronica Lacey, Bev Malpass, Jill Williams (Dolphin), Leonie Baxter, Julie Smith (Lacey)
• LVWHA Lightning Premierships:
“A” Grade: 1963,1964,1969,1978 1979,1981,1982 &1983
“B” Grade: 1962,1964,1978,1980 &1982
“C” Grade: 1982
Yallourn regularly entered a team in the Victorian Country Week, winning “C” Grade in 1959, until LVWHA teams were entered.
Many Yallourn players were selected for LVWH Association teams to compete in Country Week, Country Carnival, Inter-Zone Championships and Junior and Senior State & Country teams.
Apart from long term coach, Ted Polkinghorne, Veronica Lacey and Janice Houston held coaching and selectors positions for LV teams.
The Yallourn team were Runners-up to Geelong in the prestigious 1983 Victory Cup losing 1-0.
• Yallourn members have been regulars on the Latrobe Valley Association’s list of Office-Bearers.
Association Presidents include Mr. Ted Polkinghorne (‘65/66), Janice McHenry (‘61), Lesley Grebe (72/73), Anne Stewart (78/79) and Di Kennedy (?).
Association Secretary: Veronica Lacey (72-74 & 80-83), Julie Lacey (?)
Association Treasurer: Veronica Lacey (72-79), Julie Lacey (?)
Match Secretary: Ted Polkinghorne (66-75), Gordon & Anne Stewart (76-80), Dianne Kennedy
Umpires’ Convenor: Gordon Stewart (81-83)
Victorian Country Week Secretary: Veronica Lacey (’82 &83)
• LVWHA Life Members: Mr. Ted Polkinghorne (1967), Veronica Lacey (1976), Gordon Stewart, Janice Houston (1984) and Julie Smith (Lacey)
More details of teams, players and dates will be posted when these can be confirmed by minutes or photos, however at the moment I can only confirm up to 1984.

YALLOURN HOCKEY CLUB
Minutes of the Inaugural Meeting of Morwell Golds Hockey Team.
Held 9th November 1955 in Room 16, Yallourn High School.
Mr. Nicholls as Convenor in the chair.
PRESENT:
Mr. Nicholls, Misses B. Gust, L. Gust, L. Gunn, M. Harry, R. Phillpot, A. Van der horst,
C. King, J. Rust, C. Stitson, O. Maconichie, J. Wallace, E. McConnell, S. McConnell, E. McLaren
After declaring the meeting open, Mr. Nicholls explained that the meeting was called to discuss the future of the Morwell “Golds” Hockey Team in respect to the 1956 season.
It was then moved by B. Gust and seconded by E. McLaren, that….”This meeting of members of the Morwell “Golds” Hockey Team of 1955 resolve to form an independent hockey club and to apply for affiliation with the Traralgon Women’s Hockey Association for 1956 season.”
The motion was carried.
It was moved by J. Rust and seconded by C. King that the membership shall at present, be open only to those who were regular playing members of the Morwell “Golds” Hockey team of the 1955 season and that the question of the admission of additional members be considered at the next General Meeting.
This motion was carried.
Moved by B. Gust and seconded E. McLaren, that “A President and Secretary be elected pro-tem” Officers for 1956 to be elected at an “Annual General Meeting.”
Election of President:
Nominations were then called for, for a President. They were as follows:
B. Gust - nominated by L. Gust, seconded by E. McLaren
E. McLaren - nominated by B. Gust, seconded by S. McConnell
S. McConnell - nominated by E. McLaren, seconded by L. Gunn
As a result of the subsequent ballot, B. Gust was declared elected and took the chair and called for nominations for Secretary.
Election of Secretary:
Nominations were as follows-
A. Van der Horst - nominated by R. Phillpot, seconded by C. King
E. McLaren - nominated by J. Wallace, seconded by J. Rust
S. McConnell - nominated by E. McLaren, seconded by O. Maconichie
As a result of the election which followed, E. McLaren was declared elected.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
It was moved by L. Gust, seconded by J. Wallace, that the Annual General Meeting be held not later than March 1956.
This was carried.
It was moved by R. Phillpot, seconded by J. Wallace, that the President and Secretary prepare a draft Constitution for consideration at the next General Meeting.
This was carried.
It was also left to the President and Secretary to make inquiries for a ground on which to play.
The meeting was closed at 12:45pm.
Signed: E. McLaren (tem.sec)
B. Gust (President)

To read the Minutes of the General Meeting of the Yallourn Blues Hockey Club - March 1956 - please click on the title above and then click the pdf link below.

1945 - THE YALLOURN WOMEN’S NATIONAL EMERGENCY FUND
The following article was published in a column entitled ‘Between Ourselves’ in the ‘Weekly Times’ in 1945. Someone simply known as ‘Margaret’ edited that particular page; and it seemed to be a potpourri of observations about celebrities and other snippets of news from ‘around the traps.’
Although the article is brief, it is an important item in the history of Yallourn as it highlights the work undertaken by the Yallourn Women’s National Emergency Fund during World War: II.
Little is known or has been written about the YWNEF and the footnotes, which accompany this story, attempt to explain the work of the organization in that period.
Note: In Queensland, the group was known as the Women’s National Emergency Legion.

SEPTEMBER 12TH 1945 ‘THE WEEKLY TIMES’ PAGE : 20
‘BETWEEN OURSELVES’
The Yallourn Women’s National Emergency Fund has reason to be proud of its efforts for patriotic funds during the past six years. It held its first meeting on September 11, 1939 and recently disbanded, after raising £8260 for patriotic organisations.
As well as this excellent total, a large number of knitted goods have been distributed. One of the chief activities was the opportunity shop held each Friday in Yallourn, which raised £1765 in the two years. Sales during the past year amounted to £961. Since early in 1942, the fund has supported the Australian Comforts Fund to the extent of nearly £1000, and at its final meeting, the bank balance of £40 was donated to the A.C.F. Christmas Hamper Appeal.
During the fund's existence, Mrs R. A. Hunt was president and Mrs Drummond was secretary. Now that they have disbanded, the emergency fund members are planning to form a Red Cross branch, as they consider the work of Red Cross will continue for some years although the war emergency is past.

FOOTNOTES
1. The Yallourn Women’s National Emergency Fund was most innovative in raising funds to assist troops. The YWNEF secured money via: (i) waste product collection, (ii) weekly contributions of residents, (iii) special events and (iv) street stalls.

2. It is recorded that the YWNEC distributed more than 3000 parcels to those serving in the armed forces and other worthy causes.

3. The total amount of money raised by the YWNEF was extraordinary (see the press cutting posted with this article). £8260 (pounds), as mentioned in the ‘Weekly Times’, is equivalent to $584,000 in today’s currency. It is a staggering amount for a country town to raise in six years.

4. In Prue McGoldrick’s book ‘Yallourn Was’ it is written that the final (ie at the end of the war) figure given for the amount of money raised by the YWNEF was £8795 (pounds) which equates to almost $622,000 in 2019.

5. According to the ‘The Argus’ (September 16th 1939; page: 7) the
Officers of the Yallourn Women's National Emergency Service in 1939 were:
• President: Mrs. R. A. Hunt.
• Vice-Presidents: Mesdames P. J. Armstrong, E. Dann and L. Oakley.
• Secretary: Mrs. B. T. Drummond.
• Treasurer: Mrs. T. E. McGowan.

6. In 1939, the Melbourne ‘Herald’ carried a headline: ‘3000 HAMPERS FOR MEN ON SERVICE FIRST BATCH ALREADY’ and listed among the donors was the Yallourn Branch of the Women’s National Emergency Service. On that occasion, the YWNEF forwarded £3.0.0 (pounds) to the Australian Comforts Fund.

7. On 19th December 1939, a recital was given by the pupils of Miss Irene Fregon in the Presbyterian Hall, Yallourn and all the funds, raised during the night, were in support of the Yallourn Women's National Emergency Fund.
Note: It appears that Miss Fregon was a member of the Music Teachers’ Association and was qualified to teach Pianoforte, Harmony, Musical Perception and Percussion. At that time, Miss Fregon’s business address was listed as 30 Hillside Yallourn.

8. In August 1940, the YWMEF contributed £25.0.0 to the Red Cross Drive. It is also known that the YWNEF forwarded donations to the Lord Mayor’s campaign during those years.

9. On the 8th May 1941, The Yallourn Orchestral and Choral Societies presented a Musical Comedy entitled ‘The O’Brien Girl’ at the Yallourn Theatre. Admission was 2/- (shillings) per ticket and the proceeds were to aid the Yallourn Women’s National Emergency Fund.

10. Another musical comedy to assist the War Effort was ‘The Dumb Waiter’ in 1942…
“…Yallourn Orchestral Society has great pleasure in announcing that the net proceeds of the performance of ‘A Dumb Waiter" recently staged at Yallourn was £101/5/7. This wonderful sum has been distributed equally with the Australian Defence League, the Yallourn sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers' League and Yallourn Women's National Emergency Fund…” Source: ‘Morwell Advertiser’ July 16th 1942. Page: 5

11. It is recorded that the Yallourn Band assisted in fund raising activities with the YWNEF.

12. During the disastrous bushfires of February 1944, the YWNEF received great praise for the support it gave to victims of the inferno. The fires that had swept across Gippsland and the Western District, caused a dreadful loss of life and property (with 32 people being killed and 700 homes razed to the ground)

13. Stories about the impact of the firestorm at Yallourn, Hernes Oak and Morwell Bridge were major news articles in all newspapers that month…
“RELIEF EFFORT AT YALLOURN Food, Clothing Distributed: YALLOURN, Friday— Bush fire local relief is well under way. The Yallourn women’s national emergency fund has readily responded to the urgent call by police and doctors to assist at the local hospital to cope with the emergency and are still functioning. They are also assisting by sending women to assist in periods of 8-hour shifts. Mobile canteens are operating at Morwell River and the open cut. They have also established a receiving centre at the R.S.S.A. I.L.A. hall for clothes for the fire refugees at Morwell Bridge and Hernes Oak.” Source: “’ The Age’ February 19th 1944; page 3

14. Mrs Hunt was the wife of the General Superintendent of the SECV at Yallourn, Mr Ralph Hunt. (He was later to be appointed to the position of Chairman of the SECV from 1949-1956). Mrs Hunt was a most active resident in the affairs and organizations of the township.

15. A story about the Drummond family, written by Mrs Ashmead, can be found on this website; and several photographs of the Dann family can also be seen on this website.

16. Mrs Jan Armstrong was a dynamic person in the history of Yallourn; and was renowned for her enduring work with the Yallourn Branch of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind for some forty years.

17. Mrs Armstrong was the Honorary Secretary of the Yallourn Branch of the RVIB for two decades. She appears to have been an indefatigable worker for many causes; and was the President of the Food for Britain Ladies’ Committee, which operated during the war years. Mrs Armstrong was also a devoted member of the Yallourn Methodist Church.

18. The caption under the photo (above) reads:
‘Committee of Yallourn Women's National Emergency Fund, which has sent 1380 parcels to local servicemen and women, and 2600 knitted garments for the Red Cross and A.C.F. : Mesdames B.T. Drummond (sec.), W.G. Monteith, R.A. Hunt (President), H.W. Lynch, R. McGowan (Treasurer), C. Tinker, C.M. Smith, C.T. Habich, E. Madden, W. Kerr, C.F. Jolliffe, L. Dann.”
Some of the names listed below the photograph were difficult to decipher and apologies for any errors made in transcription of family names. (Roger).
Source: ‘The Weekly Times’ August 11th 1943. Page: 11

The research and footnotes for this story were completed by Roger Spaull and presented-posted by Julie George for the Virtual Yallourn website in May 2019.

The above article from the ‘Morwell Advertiser’ has been faithfully reproduced. The only amendments to the original copy are the font style, font size and spacing, to enhance the article for purposes of posting on the Virtual Yallourn website.