E H Gray Infant Health Centre (map)
HISTORY
Edmund Harry Gray (1878–1964) was an Australian trade unionist and politician who was a Labor Party member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia from 1923 to 1952, representing West Province. Gray arrived in South Australia from England in 1898. In 1910 he moved to Western Australia, and for eight years farmed near Tambellup. He then moved to Fremantle, becoming a tally clerk on the Fremantle Wharf. Gray served on the East Fremantle Municipal Council from 1927 to 1946 and during this time was elected to the Legislative Council on four occasions (in 1926, 1932, 1938, and 1946). He lived at 5 Bolton Street, East Fremantle from 1926-1954.
1929 Cr. E. H. Gray, M.L.C., announced at last night's meeting of the East Fremantle Council that the Infant Health Centre, which had been formed to cater for the East Fremantle, and North Fremantle municipalities, and the Melville Road Board area, would be officially opened by the Minister for Health (Mr. Munsie) on July 7… the organisation had been formed as a result of a conference between Government representatives and local authorities. The Government had granted a subsidy of £100, and the three local authorities had each made a grant of £25 towards the movement. The East Fremantle Council had also granted the use of a room with all conveniences for the use of the clinic. The centre had been fortunate in obtaining the services of Sister Kidson-Hunter, who would be in charge of its activities. The council expressed its satisfaction at the report submitted. (reference)
1929 New Infant Health Centre. The Minister for Health (Mr. S. W. Munsie) will open the new Melville-North Fremantle and East Fremantle infant welfare centre on Sunday afternoon. The function will take place in the East Fremantle Town Hall at 3 p.m. and the mayor Mr. H. J. Locke) will preside. (reference)
1934 Infant Health Centre. During the last few weeks infant health organisations all over W.A.have been holding their annual meetings. The Fremantle committee held their annual gathering at the Town Hall, Fremantle, on Tuesday, July 24. Mr. J. B. Sleeman, M.L.A., was in the chair. A welcome visitor was Mr. W. Farrell, from the Fremantle Trotting Club, who brought along a cheque for £20 for the Fremantle Centre and £10 for the Melville North-East Fremantle Centre as donations from the Trotting Club. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Farrell for his attendance, and the Trotting Club for their generous donations. The following officers were elected: President: Mr. J. B. Sleeman, M.L.A, Vice-Presidents: Mrs. M. Smith, Mr. G. Fraser, M.L.C.. Crs. J. M. Farrell, W. J: Griffith, E. Swinbourn, and P. G. McMahon, Hon. Secretary and Treasurer: E.H. Gray, M.L.C. Delegate to Infant Health Association: Mrs. E. Pengilley.
The president read the annual report as follows: "The work of the Centre has progressed satisfactorily during the year and Sister Salmon has carried out an enormous amount of labor, to the great advantage of the mothers and babies of Fremantle. This Centre is the second largest in the State being second to the Centre in the City of Perth. The statistics for the year speak for themselves and show in a graphic manner the big work Sister Salmon is successfully carrying on. "Births reported for the year were 272; new babies visited, 189; new babies attended Centre, 265; total number of babies attending Centre, 557; total attendances of babies at Centre, 5273; total number of visits paid to households, 612; total consultations regarding expectant mothers, 120; total consultations, including thereby correspondence, 5885. (reference)
1949 Death. As a token of esteem and fond remembrance of Sister M. L. Salmon, late of Infant Health Centre, Fremantle. Inserted by the Infant Health Sisters of W.A. (reference)
RESIDENTS
1920 - 1932: East Fremantle Retired Soldiers’ League aka Returned Soldiers League
1933 - 1949: Infant Health Centre, health clinic.
