In researching my McKenzie ancestors, I came across biographical notes on Harrie McKenzie Smart Adams, where it was stated that he was taught by Dame Mary Gilmore nee Cameron during her teaching days – 1.
Mary Cameron’s teaching days are described in several references – 1, 2, 3, 4,.
She was certainly socially progressive, of even radical leftist politics, and coincidentally a great great aunt of former Liberal Prime Minister Scott Morrison – though their politics would have been quite at odds. Scott Morrison on Dame Mary Gilmore – The Daily Mail UK:
‘In a society that still searches for role models for our young women, there are few ladies of greater inspiration than my great great Aunt Mary, of whom my two daughters should be very proud to call their aunt,’ he said. .. ‘She was an immensely talented and compassionate woman of fierce conviction and heart. .. Mr Morrison spoke of how ‘Aunt Mary’ asked for a transfer from teaching in rural New South Wales to the city, where ‘her interest in social reform burgeoned.’ ‘She seized her pen and began to write of the injustices she saw in the world around her,’ Mr Morrison said. ‘She was a prolific writer, a poet, a journalist and a trail-blazer in the fields that were strictly patriarchal. ‘She brazenly carved her own path and stood toe to toe with anyone who dared stand in her way. .. ‘She was a passionate nationalist, a zealous activist, an advocate for workers’ rights rather than union largesse and a champion of the oppressed. “
The Conversation … “Her politics were shaped by the 1890s generation of Australian radicals whose beliefs were a blend of democratic socialism, unionism, Marxism and pro-labour “agitation”. She campaigned for the Labor Party and supported pioneering female ALP candidates.” – see also “My Poetic Side “article
In addition to her poetic works (1, ), she also compiled several cook books
- The Mary Cookbook
- The Worker Cookbook – Compiled from the Tried Recipes of Thrifty Housekeepers – By MARY GILMORE, The Most Practical Australian Cook book ever printed. Two Shillings and Sixpence
Her poetry includes The Waradgery Tribe – 1,
Harried we were, and spent,
Broken and falling
Ere as the cranes we went,
Crying and calling.
Summer shall see the bird
Backward returning;
Never shall there be heard,
Us, who went yearning.
Emptied of us the land;
Ghostly our going;
Fallen, like spears the hand
Dropped in the throwing.
We are the lost who went,
Like the birds, crying;
Hunted, lonely, and spent
Broken and dying.
See also
- M Gilmore – Old Days Old Ways. A Book of Recollections, Angus & Robertson, Sydney
1934 (and Reprint 1986) (*) - M Gilmore – More Recollections – Angus & Robertson, Sydney 1935 (*)
There are two noted portraits of Dame Mary Gilmore held in the NSW Art Gallery: the first shown below painted in 1943 by Joshua Smith, and is my favourite; whilst the second was painted in 1957 by William Dobell. Both were given to the NSW Art Gallery by Dame Mary Gilmore, though neither were on display in 2024.
A Steely Genes Journey 