In evidence to the Select Committee of the Legislative Council on the State Children Act Amendment Bill in October 1918, the Catholic Archbishop of Perth described St Margaret's Hostel. Newly added at a cost of £12,000, they hoped to accommodate mothers and their children for 'nine months, with the object of safeguarding infant life, because we believe that the breast feeding is the one remedy.' Women might pay to stay at St Margaret's or 'if necessary' they would 'take the mother and her child for nothing'. This was funded through 'entertainments' and donations. These women were 'expected to do the washing, and keep the place clean.' The Archbishop reported there were 7 women admitted at that time, but there was room for 20.
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Last updated:
21 October 2021
Cite this: http://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/wa/WE00891
First published by the Find & Connect Web Resource Project for the Commonwealth of Australia, 2011
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