BRIGID. The bush nurse was very important.
MARIA. Yes. She was important in those times. See,
that was in another generation. I can remember
six generations......I've got my own grandmother,
my own mother, myself, my children, their
children and their children.
And the women who helped...who were the midwives,
were they qualified or did they just have
a natural skill?
MARIA. No. It just came natural to them. Look,
now.......there were people living out at
Pericoe and one of their children was being
born and they sent her to Bega hospital and
the husband went over when the time came
round .......this is a true story....and
he was there for the birth because when the
next child was born, he was going to nurse
the mother at home, she wouldn't come to
hospital. And I suppose the mothers and nurses
and that kind of thing talked to one another....handed
it down. You see, your cough medicine....you'd
get a little bottle from the general store
or boil up half a gallon of water....you
don't see it now but they used to grow around
here was horehound plants. You'd put some
of the plant in and boil that up with it.
What kind of plant was it?
MARIA. Horehound. They used to make a type of beer
out of it too. It was a healthy brew. See,
you get the health food that has come in
today, all that was used then. There were
no chemicals and things. The horehound was
boiled and strained and when it got cool
you'd tip in the stuff you got from the store
and that would be the family's cough mixture.
If you had a really bad cold on your chest
you'd get camphor and olive oil, that relieves
your chest. One of my girls had croup and
we were in Sydney and she got a bout and
the chemists weren't open on a Saturday night,
so before we went out this old man said to
get a bottle of castor oil and some grated
nutmeg and make a brown paper shirt. I said
that I wouldn't like to use castor oil, it
would blister. No, he said, don't scrub it.
It'll draw inflammation. Then of course,
Vicks ointment came in then. Now of course,
you go to the doctor and he gives you some
antibiotics. And I see Pauline pull her nose
when I said castor oil...(laughter). That
was your medicine, castor oil. If you were
sick you got castor oil. Or we got a dose
of salts. Epsom salts.
*** Excerpt from Maria McMahon's interview in
'The Forgotten Corner Interviews'.
Spelling as written in newspapers
In the event of injury or the imminent birth
of a baby, in most cases the locals would
look after themselves. Each settlement usually
had a woman who would act as midwife and
babies were helped into the world within
the community. As a last resort or if problems
arose early in pregnancy, the long trip was
made to hospital.
If unexpected problems arose during a birth,
it was not unusual for the child to be lost
or both mother and child. Giving birth was
a higher risk than today but many women had
families of between eight and thirteen children.
For everyday coughs and colds and minor accidents,
home remedies were used and most mothers
were skilled in preparing ointments and mixtures
to aid and combat many common ills.
In the early years of settlement in the Towamba
district the nearest hospital was a good
day's horse and buggy ride away. Residents
of the district, both coastal and inland,
subsidised the hospital with generous donations
of food and linen. It was, after all, their
hospital and without their generous donations
the institution could not have survived alone
on Government subsidies.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Monday 15 April 1861
That dreadful epidemic, diphtheria, has made
its appearance in our midst. We have only
yet heard of two cases, one an adult, the
other a child; but we may naturally anticipate
that it will spread. The population of Towamba
is increasing, and if the Government could
only be prevailed upon to render the road
passable between that place and Eden, there
is not a shadow of a doubt but that the township
of Sturt would be a township indeed.
'Magnet' June 7, 1930
* Inkweed berries used as a cure for rheumatism.
'Magnet' February 25, 1933
TICK BITE REMEDY
"Pills made of Bi carb and butter or
lard, 3 at a time followed 1 hour later by
a dessertspoon of caster oil (also) bracken
tea made from the light green fronds of bracken
fern by boiling about a handful in half a
pint of water until the colour of brandy
- administered in dessertspoonsful every
hour until relief followed."
'Magnet' March 11, 1933
To remove sea water stain from shoes rub
with hot milk which has a small piece of
soda dissolved in it. Rub well into the stains
then polish.
'Magnet' July 22, 1933
ADVERTISEMENT
Goliath was slain by a stone from a sling,
A primitive means to achieve such a thing.
And giants uncounted have ended their terms
Reduced to despair by invisible germs.
Despise not your dangers whatever your skill
The sting of a spider a lion may kill.
For germic infection protection assure
Remember Woods Great Peppermint Cure.
'Magnet' December 16, 1933
* Mrs. R. Ritchie proposed to establish a
Bush Nursing Association and hoped to send
a nurse to Towamba within months.
'Magnet' March 31, 1934
* Bush nurse centre to be established at
Burragate on May 1st to embrace areas Wyndham,
Towamba, Pericoe and Rocky Hall. Sister Hughes.
'Magnet' September 29, 1934
TOWAMBA
* Great interest is being taken in B. N.
A. Ball to be held here in October.
* District-wide support is anticipated for
the sport and ball at Burragate on October
1, in aid of local Bush Nursing Association's
funds. Mr. W. R. Luff and Mrs. J. Keys are
honorable secretaries.
'The Southern Record and Advertiser'
26 October 1934
TOWAMBA.
* A feature of the recent Bush Nursing Association
ball, was an interesting tableau arranged
by Mr. C. Logan and Mrs. Littley. A realisitic
slab- and-bark hut took up a central position
on the stage, with a bearded figure lying
beside a log which he had been chopping,
while blood appeared to flow from a gash
in his leg caused by a slip of the axe. A
glimpse of the man's wife was obtained through
a window in the hut, and over the chimney
hovered the ancient stork bearing in its
beak the usual bundle. Coming through a background
of hills and valleys covered with tall timber
was the figure of the bush nurse. Over the
scene was a placard advising all and sundry
to "send for the bush nurse when trouble
comes."
'Magnet' November 17, 1934
* Master Jack Gait of Towamba was bitten
by a snake one day this week. He was treated
by the Bush Nurse and is now doing well.
'The Southern Record and Advertiser'
2 November 1934
TOWAMBA.
* The period of six months trial of the Bush
Nurse will expire shortly, and a general
meeting of the centres interested will be
necessary to decide whether the bush nursing
service will be carried on.
'Magnet' December 1, 1934
LOST YOUTH RESTORED
Seaweed, it is claimed, is a potent agent
in restoring their lost youth to aging glands,
and certain tonic tablets are now available
to the purchasing public. The manufactures
ascribe the value of the preparation to the
fact that seaweed contains iodine. They have
succeeded in making seaweed palatable and
by means of these tablets, the iodine can
be passed on direct by the thyroid gland
through the blood-stream. Those who take
them will, if the claims of the makers prove
fully justified, be rewarded in the possession
of thicker hair, a clearer eye and skin and
a 'dynamic energy'.
* It has been decided to hold a sports carnival
and ball here on Anniversary Day next in
aid of the Bush Nursing Association. An improved
program has been drawn up and a successful
day should result. Sickness is still very
prevalent in our midst and many cases have
received the attention of the Bush Nurse.
Nursing Association is a decided benefit
to the district and is being much appreciated.
'Magnet' December 8, 1934
TICK TREATMENT
In regard to the mention in the 'Magnet'
of the prevalence of ticks and the difficulties
of curing animals infected by them, an old
bushman informs us that he has saved a large
number of dogs by administering a dose of
copper eg., ( a whole penny, ground fine
and mixed with oil and flour to form a ball
of suitable size) followed by an injection
of warm soapy water into which has been added
a few drops of turpentine. This, he says,
has never been known to fail except in cases
where treatment has been too long delayed.
The Blacks, he tells us, used to dig a hole
in the ground, lay in it a quantity of good
burning materials such as dry leaves, candle
bark etc., cover this with a heap of green
eucalyptus leaves, light the dry material
and cover the hole with a sheet of bark.
When the fire (which caused a certain amount
of steaming in the green leaves) was out
and the ground was cool enough, they would
put the tick affected dog or man (as the
case might be) in the hole and leave him
there until relief was secured. Though he
has never tried this method, he has seen
it used successfully by the Blacks. There
has always been argument as to whether a
tick should be pulled out or cut off. Our
informant is one of those to favour cutting
off and applying a little kerosene to the
spot. A tick, he points out, both feeds and
poisons by means of its mouth and therefore
any attempts to remove the tick with the
fingers, tweezers etc., tends to result in
an unduly large supply of poison being injected,
whereas a quick cut with a sharp knife removes
the source.
'Magnet' December 15, 1934
* Sister Cameron who has been in charge of
the Nursing Centre here has returned to Sydney.
Her place will be taken by Sister Rogers.
'Magnet' December 15, 1934
The recent references in the 'Magnet' to
the loss of valued dogs through tick poisoning
it is interesting to note that scientists
have found in the course of recent experiments
that a weekly powdering or washing of derris
root will ensure for dogs almost complete
immunity. In regard to the treatment recommended
by an old bushman in our last issue several
people have questioned the value of copper
administered in the manner mentioned eg.,
grinding up a penny and mixing it with oil,
pointing out the same thing used to be considered
but was not a sure cure for distemper and
various other ailments common to dogs.
'Magnet' January 19, 1935
DISTRICT HOSPITAL
Valued Help From District Centres.
The Board of Directors met on January 10
when there were present: Messers W. Cole
(President Chair), W. Watson, E.G. Bracken,
M. Longhurst, W. Henderson, G. Haigh and
W. Hayes.
KIAH'S CONTRIBUTION
Mrs. R.J. Goward, Kiah, wrote enclosing £8/2/6,
donations recently collected by her at Kiah
for the hospital. The residents of that centre
having decided on a collection instead of
an entertainment. Board members expressed
themselves as deeply grateful to the good
folk who contributed and to Mrs. Goward for
her work as collector. The secretary was
instructed to write to Mrs. Goward and convey
to her the sincere thanks of the board.
TOWAMBA TO HELP
A letter was received from Mr. W. A. Green,
Towamba, stating that a days' sports and
ball had been arranged to take place at that
centre on Friday 8th February in aid of the
hospital. Keen pleasure was expressed at
this announcement and it was decided to give
the event all the support possible. The secretary
said he had arranged to be present at the
function and would be taking the chocolate
wheel with him to help the day along.
FORTHCOMING ELECTION
A lengthy circular was received from the
Hospitals Commission in reference to the
election of boards of directors under the
Act. This circular stated that the election
must be held not later than 28th February
next. It also pointed out that the Commission
would fix the number of directors which would
constitute the entire board at not less than
nine nor more than twelve; where the number
fixed by the Commission to constitute the
board was not more than ten directors, four
of them would be Government nominees; and
where the number fixed was more than ten,
five of them would be Government nominees.
The circular asked the board its opinion
as to the number which should constitute
the board and whether it would wish for a
personal ballot giving a postal ballot to
those who applied for it or whether it preferred
a wholly postal ballot. The board decided
to recommend that the incoming board should
consist of twelve directors and that the
election should be by a wholly postal ballot.
HOUSE COMMITTEE'S REPORT
The house committee reported that matters
where satisfactory; the month had been a
very busy one both at the general hospital
and the maternity unit and all the patients
had spoken in the highest terms of the treatment
which had been accorded them. Messers W.
Cole, W. Haines and W. Watson were appointed
as house committee for the ensuing month.
TREASURER'S STATEMENT
The honorary treasurer's statement showed
receipts during the month; subscriptions
- £101/16/5; donations, Government subsidies
and special grant £239/17/6. After paying
three months account there was a debit balance
of £64/8/5 at the end of the month.
MATRON'S REPORT
The Matron reported: patients remaining in
hospital on the 1st of December; 5 males,
6 females. Admitted during the month; 7 males,
16 females; Total treated, 12 males 22 females.
Discharged during the month (recovered) 7
males, 13 females. Remaining in hospital
on 31 December, 5 males, 10 females; outdoor
patients, 1; daily average during month,
general hospital 9.47, maternity 1.83, total
daily average 11.3. Donations in kind received
- Mrs. R. J. Goward, Kiah - eggs, old linen,
Mr. W. Watson, Mr. Stan Gordon, Mr. Henderson,
Mr. Grove - vegetables, Mrs. Powers - fruit,
Mr. W. Cole - poultry, Christmas cake, Mr.
E. J. Cole, Mr. J. A. Martin, Mrs. W. A.
Green - poultry, Dr. Wing - flowers, Mrs.
R. Legge - fruit and flowers, Mrs. Fisher
- fruit and sweets, Mrs. D. Grant, Mr. G.
F. Tisdale, Mrs. L. Thomas - cordials, Mr.
A. Henderson - vegetables, Mr. A. E. Walker
- preserved fruit, cordials, Mr. E. Coorey
- Christmas cake, Mrs. C.A. Woollard - Christmas
cake, two pairs towels, Mr. H. Munn - case
of plums, Mr. Reg. Turner - vegetables, Mrs.
Dorron - vegetables, old linen, Mrs. Laing
- scones, cake, Mrs. Bennett - cake, Mrs.
L. Thomas - cake, fruit, Mr. McMahon - eggs,
vegetables, Mrs. Grant - half dozen pillow
slips.
SECRETARY'S REPORT
The secretary reported that £43/5/7 had been
subscribed during December under the systematic
contribution scheme, being an increase of
£11 over the same month last year. Several
new subscribers have joined up. The scheme
continued to grow and was now an essential
part of the hospital's income.
A FINE INSTITUTION
The secretary's report continued: Mr. W.
A. Lewis, a member of the Hospitals Commission
of New South Wales and Superintendent of
Hospitals paid a visit of inspection to Pambula
District Hospital last Monday. He expressed
himself as very pleased with his inspection
and stated that the management of the institution
was entirely satisfactory. He was particularly
pleased with the fine maternity unit recently
added to the institution. This, he said,
was a very fine building and splendidly equipped
and was an institution of which the people
of the district it served might well be very
proud.
'Magnet' February 9, 1935
BURRAGATE
B. N. A. Report (Bush Nursing Association)
The following extract from an interesting
report (published in 'Cooma Express' ) by
Miss D. D. Richmond, B. N. A. Inspector and
Organizer, refers thus to Bush Nursing at
Burragate:
" Of all our centres, Burragate is the
most southerly and was visited on 3rd of
January. This centre has been open for eight
months, the first six were a trial. At the
end of that period a fully attended meeting
took place when it was decided to continue.
Many are the stories of bravery and endurance
told of the first Bush Nurse who swam on
horseback to get to her patients, although
not a good horsewoman. When her arm was fractured
and dislocated from a fall from a horse -
so badly that part of the bone had to be
removed - although two boys came to her assistance
she continued to lead her horse rather than
show the white feather, being much concerned
by the injured knees of the animal".
![]() |
B.N.A. (Bush Nursing Association) cottage
(opened 1937), Burragate Centre. Sister Forsstrom in charge. Photo courtesy B. Ryan |
'Magnet' November 2, 1935
TICK MENACE
Specimens Wanted
The Commonwealth Health Laboratories have
been in communication with Mr. I.A. Lee of
Nullica regarding the prospect of collecting
a number of ticks for experimental purposes
with the idea of evolving a serum that will
render dogs and also humans immune to the
venom. Two hundred ticks (of the variety
that attach themselves to dogs - not the
small grass tick) are wanted immediately
and the authorities have authorised Mr. Lee
to be paid five shillings per one hundred
for them or if only a dozen or two are caught,
he will pay for them pro rata. The main thing
is to hand them in while still full of life
and only to get those which have not made
contact with any person or animal. Method
employed for catching them is to drag a damp
bag or blanket among bracken or ti tree scrub
where they are plentiful. Drag it slowly.
When caught, ticks would be put in a bottle
with a bit of damp blotting paper and a small
hole left in the cork to let the air in.
'Magnet' November 30, 1935
*Mr. Ron Clements is a patient in Pambula
Hospital, we trust he will soon be home and
quite his usual self.
* Mrs. Slattery who has been an invalide
for the past twelve years had the misfortune
to break a leg through overbalancing from
her chair last Saturday. First aid was rendered
by the Bush Nurse Sister Lord and the patient
was conveyed to Pambula Hospital. Late reports
are satisfactory.
'Magnet' June 13, 1936
SURE CURE FOR DIPTHERIA
Sulphur is one of the most simple and efficacious
cures for diptheria. All that is needed is
flour of sulphur and a quill. A well known
doctor says he cured with this remedy every
case brought under his notice. His method
was putting a teaspoonful of sulphur in a
wine glass of water and stirring it with
his finger to make it dissolve. When well
mixed this was given in a gargle and in ten
minutes the patient was out of danger.
Sulphur kills every species of fungus in
man, beast or plant in a few minutes. In
a couple of extreme cases when the patient
had been left too long before enlisting the
services of a doctor and when the fungus
was too nearly closing to allow the gargling,
he blew the sulphur through a quill into
the throat and after the fungus had shrunk
he used the gargle.
August 17, 1937
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
* AT the annual meeting of the Towamba Red
Cross branch Mr. E. Butcher was elected president
Mrs. Ira Parker, honorary treasurer and Mr.
V. C. O. Smith, honorary secretary.