BARRETT

BARRETT (Street: G 19/7/1895)

James Barrett, JP, local doctor

Dr James Barrett (1835-1908) was born at Banbury, Oxfordshire, and graduated (MRCS, LSA) in medicine in 1858. He migrated to Australia in 1858, and was appointed to the Lying-in (Women’s) Hospital in that year. He was Assistant surgeon to the Emerald Hill Volunteer Rifle Corps from 1862, and an original member of the staff of the Alfred Hospital from 1870.  He published many papers of medical interest. The family lived at 30 Howe Crescent.

James Barrett married Catherine Oliver, nee Elkins (1830-1875) in 1861, the first matron of the Women’s Hospital, and secondly Miss Sittler in 1890. Their family of eight, included four doctors

Sir James Barrett (1862-1945), Ophthalmologist, Physiologist, and Administrator, was one of the most influential and controversial medical identities in early twentieth century Australia. He was elected to the University of Melbourne Council in 1901, and later became Vice-Chancellor (1931-34), Deputy Chancellor (1934) and Chancellor (1935-39). He was a well-known “progressive” and public figure who made friends and enemies with equal ease [U of M, ADB].

Dr John Barrett (1866 – 1916) was a left handed opening batsman with a strong defence and unfailing patience, a left arm medium paced bowler with a high action, and a duffer in the field, who played for South Melbourne, Victoria and Australia.  Barrett was the first player to carry his bat through a completed Test innings.  He played for 15 of Victoria against the 1884 Australian touring team, and in the following season, 1884/85, he took 5/31 and 6/49 on debut for Victoria, against South Australia.  Barrett then concentrated on his studies and did not play again until 1888/89, by which time his bowling skill had largely disappeared.  Soon after graduation he was selected for the 1890 tour of England.  Medical duties ended his career in 1893, when at the age of 26, he moved to Peak Hill in Western Australia.  He captained both South Melbourne and Victoria.

Dr Edgar Barrett (1869-1959) was a leading South Melbourne footballer and cricketer, who also played cricket for Victoria.

Dr Edith Barrett (1872-1939), the eighth child, was educated at South Melbourne College; and Melbourne University (MB, 1901; MD, 1907).  Both her father and four brothers were also doctors. Barrett’s medical career included membership of the honorary medical staff at the Queen Victoria Hospital (1904-34) and her private general practice, although she devoted her energies to advancing the medical and social conditions of poorer women and children.  Barrett’s greatest achievement was the foundation of the Bush Nursing Association of Victoria in 1910, which had a profound effect on advancing rural heath; by 1945, the BNA had 67 hospitals and 15 nursing centres.  She served as honorary secretary from 1914 to 1920 and honorary assistant secretary from 1920 to 1935 upon James’ return from active service.  Barrett was also active with the Australian Red Cross, the National Council of Women in Victoria and the Victorian Women’s Medical Association; for her war work she received the CBE in 1918.

References: Miles; Due; ADB; Wilhelm; OCAC; St Kilda Cemetery; Argus (16/1/1908), Weekly Times18/1/1908)