SYDNEY COMFORTS FUNDS
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday January 1, 1916
COMFORTS FUNDS
A Preliminary meeting of the Wombats’ Comforts’ Fund (Mining Corps) will be held at the Town Hall on Wednesday, at 2.30 pm. Relatives and friends of the members of the corps are invited.
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday January 8, 1916
SOCIAL
The first meeting for the Wombats’ Comforts Fund for members of the Mining Corps was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday. About 30 ladies attended. Major A.C. Fewtrell took the chair, and Major David addressed the meeting. The rooms, Robson’s, Canberra House, corner Elizabeth-street and Liverpool-street, will be open on Monday afternoon, January 10, when it is hoped all interested in the corps will attend, and if possible bring a gift. Mrs A.A. Cohen was elected hon. Treasurer, and Mrs C.T. Royle and Miss J. Mills hon. Secretaries.
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday January, 1916
MILITARY TATTOO
A military tattoo, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the comforts fund of the Mining Corps, will be held at the Sydney Town Hall on Saturday, January 29. The Australian Mining Corps, now in camp at Casula, consists of picked men, and is the only unit representative of the whole of the States of the Commonwealth. Major-Professor David will deliver an address entitled “Whither”; and Captain-Chaplain Jos. Wilson will relate his personal experiences on the battlefields of France. The programme will be provided by the men of the corps and by their band, the instruments for which have been provided by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce. Major Fewtrell, the officer commanding the corps, will preside.
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday January 22, 1916
SOCIAL
The Mayor of Ashfield and a committee have arranged to hold a gift evening for comforts for the men of the Miners’ Engineering Corps. This will take place of Saturday, January 22, at 8 p.m., in the Ashfield Town Hall. As this is the first mining corps to leave Australia, and as the men come from all parts of the Commonwealth, many are far from their friends, and comforts are much needed.
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday January 29, 1916
MILITARY TATTOO
A Military tattoo, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the comforts fund of the Mining Corps, will be held at the Sydney Town Hall this evening. The programme will be provided by the men of the corps and by their band. Major-Professor David will deliver an address entitled “Whether”, and Captain-Chaplain Jos. Wilson will relate his personal experiences on the battlefields of France. Major Fewtrell, the officer commanding the corps will preside; and the State Commandant (Colonel Ramaciotti) will be present.
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday February 5, 1916
SOCIAL
The Australian Mining Corps Comforts Depot, over Robson’s Canberra House, is doing good work, and the committee begs all interest in the corps to call and see the depot, and to sew or take home shirts, wool or socks etc to make.
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday February 12, 1916
SOCIAL
The Mining Corps Comforts’ Depot is now in running order at Robson’s Canberra House, Elizabeth and Liverpool streets. The depot is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10.30 till 5. The committee are appealing for workers and help of any kind. Meetings will be held at the rooms every Wednesday at 4 o’clock.
Comforts Committees
Town & Country Journal (Sydney) February 16, 1916
AUSTRALIAN MINING CORPS
A comforts depot in connection with the Australian Mining Corps has been opened at Robson’s Canberra House, Elizabeth and Liverpool streets, Sydney, with Mrs C.J. Royle as secretary, and Misses J. Mills and R. Royle as assistants, and Mrs A.A. Cohen as treasurer. The committee is appealing for help, for workers, and for gifts for the men, and hope that all interested in mining will find means to assist them. The cause is certainly a good one.
Sunday Times (Perth) Sunday 27 February, 1916
PERTH PRATTLE
Writes Mrs Bennett-Wilkinson:
“The hon. General secretary of the Comforts Fund for the Miners’ Battalion has asked me to make known as best I can to all the friends of those 275 men who went from here that there is a depot at Robson’s Canberra House, Liverpool and Elizabeth streets, Sydney, where all parcels can be sent from W.A. by any interstate boat from Fremantle, and free railway freight to the address. Mrs J.C. Royle will ensure safe transport direct to wherever the men are at the front. Mrs Royle and other ladies working on this committee have sons in the Miners’ Corps, so special interest is being taken in the matter of obtaining and forwarding comforts in bulk.
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 4 March 1916
SOCIAL
The Mining Corps Comforts Fund, through the hon. secretary, makes an appeal for workers to sew the hundreds of garment, now ready cut out, at the depot, Canberra House, Elizabeth and Liverpool streets. They have also wool for knitters. The depot is open every day but Saturday, from 10 till 5.
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday March 18, 1916
COMFORTS FUND
Entries are cordially invited to the Mining Corps sock competition, Robson’s Canberra House, Elizabeth and Liverpool streets, for which a first and second prize will be allotted.
Town & Country Journal (Sydney) March 20, 1916
REGIMENTAL COMFORTS COMMITTEES
The following is a complete list of the Regimental Comforts Committees established to date, with the names of the respective secretaries and addresses of depots:--
Mining Corps—E. S. Royle, Robson’s, Canberra House, Elizabeth and Liverpool-streets.
Through the courtesy of the Deputy Chief Commissioner, country and suburban branches may forward parcels intended for dispatch to the troops free of charge on all railways, provided they are properly addressed and endorsed: “Regimental Comforts.”
Abridged for Mining Corps only.
Sydney Morning Herald Thursday April 20, 1916
PUBLIC NOTICES
THE MINING CORPS’ COMFORTS DEPOT will be CLOSED for Easter, and will reopen on MONDAY, May 1st, at 10 o’clock, as usual.
Sydney Morning Herald Friday April 21, 1916
COMFORTS FUNDS
The Australian Mining Corps’ Comforts funds require sweets in tins. Those interested in the corps are invited to attend the rooms on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday April 22, 1916
COMFORTS FUNDS
LIST OF DEPOTS
Following is a list of the depots of the various battalion comforts committees:
Mining Corps: Canberra House, corner Elizabeth and Liverpool streets.
Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday May 10, 1916
FROM NEAR AND FAR
The Australian Mining Corps Comforts Fund held their 10th general meeting at their depot, Canberra House, on Wednesday afternoon, May 3. There was only a fair attendance, but it is hoped that in future all members of the committee will remember that the general committee meets at 4 o’clock on the first Wednesday in each month, and all are invited to attend.
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday May 27, 1916
COMFORTS FUNDS
The committee of the Australian Mining Corps’ Comforts Fund asks for regular monthly subscriptions from those interested in supplying comforts to the Australian miners at the front. Subscriptions will be received and acknowledged by Mrs C.I. Royle, hon. Secretary, Canberra House, Elizabeth and Liverpool streets.
Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday June 20, 1916
COMFORTS FUNDS
The committee of the Australian Mining Corps Comforts Fund will have a stand for the War Chest Fund on Button Day at the corner of George and Barrack streets, at the Commercial Bank corner. Contributions of articles may now be left at the depot, Robson’s Canberra House, Elizabeth and Liverpool streets, or at the stand on Button Day.
Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday June 21, 1916
HOME AFFAIRS
The Australian Mining Corps’ Comforts Fund stand for War Chest Day will be at the corner of George and Barrack streets, at the Commercial Bank corner. Gifts for sale are asked for, and can be left at the stand on Button Day, or at the depot, Elizabeth and Liverpool-streets, at any time any day before hand.
Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday June 28, 1916
COMFORTS FUND
The Australian Mining Corps Comforts Fund stand for War Chest Day will be at the Commercial Bank, corner of George and Barrack streets, Gifts are wanted, and may be left any day at the depot, Robson’s Canberra House, Elizabeth and Liverpool-streets, or on the day at the stand.
Sydney Morning Herald Thursday June 29, 1916
WAR CHEST BUTTON DAY
COLLECTION TOMORROW
Button Day to-morrow. Flags will be flying, collectors working, and people giving with the generous spirit that has marked other big “days” in New South Wales when the public pocket has been called upon for patriotic purposes. Attention is drawn to the request made by the Chief Secretary that city firms and institutions should decorate their premises on Button Day.
Money continues to come in, and the executive committee will have a useful sum in hand before to-morrow’s collection starts. Already 5000 gold buttons have been ordered, and the War Chest committee now anticipates that they may not be able to meet all the orders expected for Friday. The factories have been working overtime to keep pace with the demand as it is, and to avoid disappointment owing to a possible shortage tomorrow 3000 gilt cards are being printed. These will bear upon them a contract entitling the holder subsequently to exchange them for a gold button, and in the meantime can be worn during the day as evidence of the gold contributions of the wearer.
[Last paragraph of the article reads]
The Australian Mining Corps Comforts’ Fund will have a stand at the Commercial Bank, corner of George and Barrack streets. Gifts for sale are invited, and may be left at the depot, Robson’s Canberra House, Elizabeth and Liverpool streets, or on War Chest Day at the stand. Article abridged.
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday July 1, 1916
THE WAR CHEST BUTTON DAY
SPLENDID SUCCESS
The rain could not damp the people’s enthusiasm; and least of all could it damp the enthusiasm of the collectors. Everywhere you went, no matter how unpleasant the streets, you met a lady who asked you to “buy a button.” Some people, in admiration of these ladies, no less than in admiration of the War Chest itself, bought dozens—of the shilling-a-piece variety. Many went further and bought the gold buttons, which cost £1 apiece. It was the greatest “Button Day” yet. It was a pity it rained. The morning was fairly fine; but the afternoon was wet and wintry. The collection would doubtless have been a very big one had the weather remained fine; but even with the wintry conditions that prevailed the result was a substantial one. If in many cases men did not care to leave their offices, the ladies who were collecting had no scruples about entering the offices—they entered every business establishment, every hotel, every office. They rode on the trams and in the trains. They waited at the railway stations and the ferries. “Buy a Button.”
There were numerous stalls about the city, but the centre of attraction was, of course Martin-place. Not only buttons, but all sorts of things, were on sale. And people trudged about in their galoshes, and bought these things. It didn’t matter much what they bought—all the money went into the big chest, and they knew that it would be used and used quickly, for the benefit of our fighting men.
“Think of the price our soldiers are giving,” exclaimed a lady at a stand in George-street. There was a returned soldier standing beside her, and acting as an auctioneer. And then the lady mounted a box and recited:
If you button up your pockets, you’ll be sorry by-and-bye;
For the sake of Australia, won’t you buy—won’t you buy?
No matter what we give you, the price is never high!
And they bought.
It was maintained by the officials that this is a record street collection in Sydney. The War Chest figure for the city last night, totalled £8000, including only a few of the suburban figures. Added to this the total of £9970 donations already received at the War Chest office, in Pitt-street, brings the grand total last night to over £18,000. Article abridged
Sydney Morning Herald Thursday July 13, 1916
PATRIOTIC FUNDS
AUSTRALIAN MINING CORPS
The committee of the Australian Mining Corps’ Committee fund announces that the Balaclava cap competition will close on July 24 for prizes of £1/1 and 10/6. The depot is at Canberra House, corner Elizabeth and Liverpool streets.
Sydney Morning Herald Thursday August 31, 1916
COMFORTS FUNDS
A GIFT TEA was organised for the 13th Battalion and the 4th Tunnellers was held at Hornsby recently. It was organised by Miss Collins, assisted by Mesdames Geake, Walker, and Tillyard, and Miss D. Webb. Company-sergeant-major and Mrs Geake lent their house at Mount Errington, and about 250 guests partook of tea. Mr W. Robson, M.L.A. opened the proceedings. About £33 was realised, and gifts received valued at £50.
Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday September, 4 1916
MINING CORPS COMFORTS’ CONCERT
An enjoyable war concert at popular prices has been organised to take place at the Town Hall on Monday, September 19, being in response to Major David’s appeal for the Australian Mining Corps Comforts’ Fund. The concert is under the distinguished patronage of his Excellency the Governor, the Chancellor of the University, and other notables, and is given under the auspices of the Royal Society and ten other influential associations. Mr Charles Smythe will direct the concert, the artists at which will be Mrs Victor Morse, and Misses Carrie Lanceley, Emilie Fenn, Marguerite Edwards, Messrs Philip Newbury, Charles Smythe, Ernest Truman, Will Caspers, Harry Cutler, the Corelli Brothers and the Engineers’ Depot Band
(Bandmaster Sergeant Wellington). Tickets at Beard, Watsons.
Sydney Morning Herald September 6, 1916
AMUSEMENTS
UNDER THE DISTINGUISHED PATRONAGE OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, SIR GERALD STRICKLAND, G.C.M.G; AND THE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY, SIR WM CULLEN, K.C.M.G.
TOWN HALL, SYDNEY AT 8 P.M.,
ON MONDAY, SPETEMBER 18, 1916.
In response to
MAJOR DAVID’S SPECIAL APPEAL
for the
AUSTRALIAN MINING CORPS’ COMFORTS FUND.
A GRAND CONCERT
Will be given under the auspices of the following
Associations:-
Royal Society of N.S.W.,
Institute of Civil Engineers,
Institute of Local Government Engineers of Australia,
N.S.W. Engineering Association,
Institute of Architects of N.S.W.
N.S.W. Public Service Professional Officers’ Assocn.,
University Engineering Society,
Institue of Surveyors.
Electrical Association of Australia
The following leading Artists will appear:
Miss Carrie LanceleySoprano
Miss Emilie Fenn Contralto
Mrs R. Victor Morse Siffleuse
Miss Margaret Edwards Pianist
Mr Philip Newbury Tenor
Mr Charles Smythe Basso
Mr Ernest Truman Organist
Mr Will Caspers Accompanist
Mr Harry Cutler Flautist
The Corelli Brothers Violinist and Harpist
The Engineers’ Depot Band
(Bandmaster Sergeant Wellington)
Hon. Director, Mr CHARLES SMYTHE.
TICKETS obtainable from the abovementioned Societies
or from Messrs Beard, Watson, Ltd, George street, Sydney.
PRICE, 3/, including Booking fee.
O.W. BRAIN, D.F.J. HARRICKS, Joint Hon Secs
Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday September 12, 1916
AMUSEMENTS
MINING CORPS CONCERT
The concert for Major David’s special appeal for the Australian Mining Corps Comforts Fund has been postponed from September to October 3, on account of the Town Hall being required by the Prime Minister on that evening of September 18.
Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday October 4, 1916
AMUSEMENTS
MINING CORPS’ CONCERT
Enthusiasm was rife last night at the concert held at the Town Hall in aid of the Australian Mining Corps’ Comforts Fund. The concert was postponed from September 18, owing to the fact that the Prime Minister desired the Town Hall on that date for the opening of the referendum campaign. A well-got-up programme gave good photos, of the original officers of the Mining Corps, and of Major David. The original corps left Australia under Lieut-Colonel A.C. Fewtrell, and since then its numbers have been augmented by additional tunnelling companies and the necessary reinforcements, till the total now exceeds 2000. An excellent programme was provided under the hon. Direction of Mr Charles Smythe, and with Mr Lindley Evans as hon. Accompanist. Miss Marguerite Edwards contributed an interesting item in one of Lizst’s Hungarian Rhapsodies (the programme omitted to state that it was the fourteenth). The accomplished young pianiste brought out well the stirring main theme, and later revealed brilliant passage work, and a certain lightness of touch in other sections of the work. The idea, however, of bringing the organ into the general art scheme is questionable, and for the most part Mr Truman’s accompaniment (through no fault of his own) was not a pleasing addition. Miss Edwards responded to the applause with an item by De Libes. Mr Smythe sang with success and with agreeable humour, Newton’s “The Drum Major.” As encore, however the singer brought forward his vademecum, “Up from Somerset.” Miss Carrie Lanceley was heard in Cowen’s “Sweet as Her Roses” and other items suited to her light voice. Mr Philip Newbury sang, by request Godard’s well-known “Berceuse.” Miss Emelie Fenn was heard in Allirsen’s “There’s a Land,” and later in Sander’s “My Dear Soul.” The Corelli Brothers gave instrumental selections, and the Engineers’ Depot Band also contributed to the programme. The concert was under the auspices of the Royal Society of New South Wales and several engineering societies. Dr H.G. Chapman was the hon. Treasurer, and Messrs O.W. Brain and D.F.J. Harricks hon. Secretaries.