First Register of Midwives on the
Goldfields of Western Australia
In the early days of Goldfield’s, pregnancy and birth were a dangerous time for both mother and baby. Most often women would rely on the help of other women in the area, if indeed there were any. Others may have had to have the assistance of a husband and some would have to give birth alone. Only in deliveries where there were complications would a doctor be called. Even in towns that had a hospital, most babies were either born at home or in a ‘Lying In’ nursing home where usually a trained nurse whould take in mothers in their own homes for the birth of the baby.
Supplement to the Government Gazette of Western Australia,
7 February 1913. Goldfields of WA Only
ALCOCK Elizabeth : Kanowna
ALDERDICE Margaret : Gwalia
ALLEN Caroline Mary : Kalgoorlie
ALLEN Elizabeth Ann : Kalgoorlie
ANDERSON Mary Ann : Boulder
ANDERSON Sarah Jane : Kalgoorlie
BACKMAN Clara Jane : Boulder
See the full list – https://bit.ly/3jnnrCG
Moya Sharp
Latest posts by Moya Sharp (see all)
- Blood on the Mulga Plains: The Last Day of John Sutherland - 28/02/2026
- A Brother’s Return in Mourning: Tragedy on the Coolgardie Goldfields - 28/02/2026
- The Contract at Old Warden Shaft - 28/02/2026
Hello Moya. I am very grateful to come across your blog. My family are trying to piece together the life of my Great Grand-Aunt who is listed in the First Register of Midwives
in Western Australia – Supplement to the Government Gazette of Western Australia, 7 February 1913.
Her name is HANNAH NORAH HARPER born in 1850 in Melbourne, Victoria. I know she was born and grew up in Wood End. I know she sold property in Wood End in 1896. She studied nursing in Christchurch, New Zealand doing the Christchurch Hospital Certificate from 1983 – 1896. On her death certificate she is listed as a nurse and that she had been on Norfolk since 1920 and she remained there until she died 16 May 1937. As far as I know she never married.
I’ve found information that she a ran a private maternity hospital in Armadale at what is listed as the Butcher Residence and Hospital (former) 24 Brookton Highway Kelmscott from 1912-1920.
If you are able to assist me or point me in the direction of what nursing might have been like then or any information about my great aunt I’d be very grateful. Sadly her burial site on Norfolk Island is unmarked and we are going to give her the proper honour and send off she so rightfully deserves. Kindly, Rachel