“When the history of the nineteenth century of progress in London has been written few names will have more right to be recognised than that of this sturdy advocate for all that makes for the betterment of the working classes.” - Southern Times 17 August 1912 (reference)

In 1999, as part of the Centenary of Women’s Suffrage celebrations, Eliza Cons was honoured as one of twelve women who contributed to the Bunbury region (reference). While she is most remembered in Bunbury for establishing the Sailors’ Rest in 1910, her influence in the town at the time was far wider. From the time Eliza arrived in Bunbury in 1889 to help her invalid sister, Mrs Esther Forrest, until the time of her death in 1924, she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people in the Bunbury community. She provided first-class entertainment through the concerts she organised, advocating for the rights of women, providing activities for the children, serving on the Wellington Education Board and, of course, looking out for the welfare of the sailors visiting the port. 

Early Life

Born into a middle-class anglo-german family living in Torrington Square, London (Poole, p.249 reference), Eliza Cons was one of seven children - five girls and two boys. Their father and the eldest son, both named Frederick, made piano cases for the company of John Broadwood & Sons, which still exists today, while their mother’s family, Esther Goodair, owned one of the Stockport Cotton Mills (Lee & Nicholls, p.150,  reference) that had been destroyed in the Luddite riots in the early 19th century (Binfield, p.259 reference). When Frederick died in 1851, the family’s circumstances changed, and the children had to start working to support the family.

The Cons Sisters - Outstanding Victorian Women

The five Cons daughters were atypical Victorian women as they were independent, determined and pursued education and careers. The older girls, Emma and Ellen, become involved with the social reform movement in England (reference). Emma studied art and began working at fourteen years of age. She initially made and restored stained glass windows for a living, which was where she met John Ruskin, a well-known advocate for social capital, and Octavia Hill, an advocate for access to open spaces, improving the housing of the poor and eventually a founder of The National Trust (reference). Emma established and managed the South London Dwellings Company, which provided a sanatorium, library, evening classes and a day nursery for the working people who lived there. Ellen continued to manage the company after Emma’s death (reference). Emma was the first female Alderman on the London City Council (reference) and in a bid to provide quality entertainment to the working class, she reopened the current Old Vic Theatre as The Royal Victorian Coffee Music Hall. Eliza and Ellen worked with their sister in the Old Vic, organising many quality productions including opera performances and Shakespeare plays (reference; reference). With the help of a wealthy benefactor, Samuel Morley, Ellen opened the Samuel Morley Memorial College for Working Men and Women (reference). Additionally, from a desire to improve the lot of women, she became one of the founders of Swanley Horticultural College for Women and the Vice President of the London Society for Women’s Suffrage (reference). When Emma died in 1912, her relatives received the following telegram:

“The King and Queen have heard with regret of the death of Miss Cons, who they so well remember meeting at the Royal Victoria Hall, and for whose self-sacrificing life their Majesties had a high regard Please express Their Majesties' sympathy with her relations and colleagues.-(Signed) Stamfordham.” (reference).

The third sister, Elizabeth, was a well known British opera singer known as Liebe Cons who married another singer, Newton Baylis. Elizabeth was the only Cons sister to have children, and they were all taught to dance, sing and play a musical instrument (reference). As soon as they were old enough, the children started performing with their parents’ concert group at various venues, and in 1890, most of the family moved to South Africa (reference). Two of Elizabeth’s children, Violet and Ray Baylis, came to Bunbury instead to live with the Forrests. Esther went to England in 1882 and returned with nine-year-old Violet (reference), who the Forrests adopted (reference). Eleven years later in 1893, Violet returned to England and brought back her thirteen-year-old brother Ray (reference), who trained as an engineer (reference) and went on to marry Bunbury girl, Sebrah Brashaw (reference). Violet worked with her Aunt to establish the Sailors’ Rest (reference). She gave performances at the concerts (reference), was also the secretary of the Girls’ Friendly Society (reference) and the president of the Young Women’s Christian Temperance Union in 1903 (reference). Violet went to visit her family several times  - in 1905, she went to Africa and England (reference) and again in 1911, she went to England for the coronation (reference). Elizabeth’s daughter, Lilian Baylis, left South Africa and travelled to England to help Emma. She eventually managed the Old Vic Theatre and later acquired the Sadler's Wells theatre. The ballet and opera companies that were formed under her management were the foundation of what would later become The Royal Ballet and The English National Opera (reference). Lilian and Violet each donated a painting to the Rest - "Peace, be still" and "The Miraculous Draught of Fishes."(reference). Eliza’s younger sister, Esther, came to Australia. She first went to Melbourne before arriving in Western Australia in 1869, commencing teaching music and languages at Miss Cowan's school in Fremantle (reference). In 1872, she arrived in Bunbury and established Torrington College, the first girl’s school in the town (reference). She married Robert Forrest, brother of Sir John Forrest, in 1875 (reference) and later was permanently injured and semi-invalided through a horse-riding accident (reference).

Bunbury

In 1889, after Esther’s accident, Eliza left the social reform work of London and came to help her sister in Bunbury (reference). Eliza quickly became involved with the Bunbury community and, in line with the Cons sisters' philosophy, looked for ways she could contribute to improving the lives of the people around her. 

Temperance Movement

Temperance was a cause very dear to Eliza as, with her sisters, she had seen the detrimental effect of alcohol consumption on the families in the poor districts of London (Poole, p.121 reference). Almost immediately, Eliza became involved with the local temperance movement and attended a Blue Army Movement temperance meeting in Brunswick where she was introduced as “a lady worker from Victoria Hall, London” (reference). In 1892, the World missionary of the Christian Women’s Temperance Union (W.C.T.U), Jessie Ackerman, toured Australia and stayed at the Forrest home while in Bunbury (reference). That year, Eliza became a founding member and secretary of the local branch of W.C.T.U. (reference). Initially, the group held weekly meetings in the Mechanics’ Institute which included entertainment. Miss Cons quickly gained a reputation as “energetic” (reference), “untiring” (reference), “indefatigable” (reference) and “the leading figure in the W.C.T.U. movement” (reference). The W.C.T.U also put on their first series of weekly concerts in 1892 and the Southern Times reported: “In consequence of the efforts of Miss Cons, the entertainment superintendent, these weekly concerts have become more and more popular and are now looked forward to with great eagerness.” (reference). The review in The West Australian after the last concert of the year also praised the quality of the productions: “The weekly entertainments in connection with the Women's Christian Temperance Union were brought to a close on Saturday night, when the Mechanics' Hall was crowded to excess with a thoroughly appreciative audience. Songs, readings, recitations, addresses, &c, were given, the whole forming one of the most entertaining of what have generally been considered the most successful series of entertainments ever carried out here. [...] The success of these entertainments has been due in large measure -almost wholly- to the untiring efforts of Miss Cons, who initiated and carried through the series in the most creditable manner possible.” (reference). 

In 1893, Miss Cons became president of the local branch (reference). The agenda she set for that year included “public meetings and special individual efforts on the part of the members themselves in home work” (reference). The winter concerts were resumed but were cancelled in July as “for the past few weeks Miss Cons, who initiated the performances and who has always arranged them since with very successful results, has unfortunately not been well enough to personally superintend them and she now finds that she will not now be even able to continue arranging for them for a time, whilst the other members of the Union do not care to undertake the responsibility “ (reference). By the end of 1893, it was reported at the first annual general meeting that the W.C.T.U. had convinced 75 people to “sign the pledge” and organised twenty Saturday evening concerts in total. Miss Cons stepped down from the presidency for the coming year and instead became the Superintendent of Entertainments (reference). Later, on the same day, a public meeting was addressed by Mrs Nicholls, the Colonial President of South Australian union, who said “Before leaving Adelaide many had attempted to dissuade her from her journey and had warned her that she would receive but a scanty welcome at our hands. She was very pleased to say that these predictions had not been verified by actual facts.” (reference). The concerts resumed again in 1894 but were held on a monthly rather than weekly basis (reference)

In 1899, Miss Cons secured the old Congregational Church in Prinsep St and financed the rent and furnishings so that it could be used by temperance groups (reference). She named it “Willard Hall” after the second president of the W.C.T.U., Frances Willard, and the Christian community widely supported it as members of the local clergy from the Anglican, Methodist and Congregational churches, Rev. Harry Darling, Rev. J Dingle and Rev. A Buchanan addressed the first W.C.T.U. meeting in the hall (reference).

SUFFRAGE

The former president of the W.C.T.U, Miss Willard, was a feminist and reformist who had widened the focus of the international organisation to include “women’s rights, suffrage, dress reform, prison reform for women, labor organization, eight hour workdays and improved working conditions in factories” (reference). The Cons women also embraced this broader view. In the same year as Willard Hall opened, the Women’s Franchise League (reference), a suffragette movement was formed “in connection with the extension of the franchise to women in this colony” with Eliza as president, Esther as vice-president and niece Violet Baylis on the committee. They aimed to “work up the matter locally” (reference). They invited Perth delegate, Mrs Clark, to visit and held a “demonstration” at which they motioned that “in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when the franchise should be extended to women on the same terms as it is now or may hereafter be granted to men.” Mrs Clark also spoke on the urgency of raising the age of consent in the colony, which was only fourteen at the time (reference). Not long after this meeting, a Women’s Franchise League of Western Australia held their first meeting in Perth. Miss Cons attended and became one of the committee members. The league had drawn up a petition in support of women’s suffrage and intended to circulate it through the colony (reference).

The Ministering Children’s League

Eliza and Esther were involved with The Ministering Children’s League (MCL) throughout most of the 1890s (reference). This organisation, which began in 1891, was “'non-sectarian' and included adult and child members, in the belief that children should do 'good deeds' on behalf of those less fortunate” (reference). By 1895, they had a membership of 70 children and 20 adults (reference) and met weekly at the Forrest’s home, Grittleton Lodge, where “the members had made articles to be given to the poor and the hospital” (reference). Each year they organised fundraisers for the league's projects - mainly for the MCL’s Convalescent Home in Cottesloe (reference; reference). The primary annual fundraiser was usually a bazaar followed by a promenade concert in 1893 (reference),1894 (reference), 1895 (reference), 1896 (reference), 1897 (reference). In 1886 they also organised a Fancy Dress Ball (reference).

Loyal Temperance Legion 

In 1897 Eliza Cons, Violet Baylis and Miss Mews began an after school children’s temperance movement called The Loyal Temperance Legion (reference). By the following year, they had 86 members (reference). They also raised money for local projects such as in 1898, they gave the hospital “a lounge for the use of the inmates of the Hospital” (reference). They joined with the MCL on All Saint’s Day 1987 and:“held a Children's Egg and Flower Service at St Paul's Church. There was a large congregation. The Rector gave an excellent address on the text "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy," after which the children, under the direction of Miss Cons and a number of ladies, proceeded to the cemetery and laid the flowers on the nameless graves. Some flowers and a good many eggs were also sent to the Hospital” (reference).

The Sailors’ Rest

In late August 1900, Miss Cons went with the W.C.T.U. to see the Premier and “asked for a piece of land at Bunbury, situated at the foot of the lighthouse hill, on which to erect a Sailors' Institute or Home. The Minister of Lands had signified his willingness to grant the site if the Premier was agreeable” (reference). In support of her petition, she pointed out that they had to pass five hotels to get to Willard Hall. Sir John replied “They have to pass two or three on the way to the Fremantle Rest, and still they seem to get there.” Miss Cons then informed him “that the captains of ships quite dreaded coming into the port of Bunbury, as on landing the men made a bee-line for a hotel.” The Premier then agreed “that if the block of land asked for a sailors' rest at Bunbury were not already allocated for some pressing requirements he would be glad to grant it” (reference). As it turned out, the land allocated was near the cemetery and unsuitable (reference).

At the September meeting of the W.C.T.U. “Mr J A Leslie's generous offer to let the Union have the use of one of the shops on his premises for one year for the purposes of a Sailors' Rest was accepted.” The Rest was expected to be opened in October, and the working committee was Miss Cons, Mrs Haycox, Mrs Manning and Nurse Cutler was invited to be the matron (reference). Although under the auspices of the W.C.T.U., Miss Cons was acknowledged as the driving force behind the Rest. Her dedication was recognised from the beginning: “Miss Cons, the hon secretary of the Sailors' Rest Committee, has made up her mind to leave no stone unturned to make her laudable scheme successful” (reference).

Early in 1901, it appeared that John Leslie would not be able to renew the lease, so Miss Cons began again to look for their own premises (reference). The Southern Times advertised the meeting to find a new place and advocated for the Rest because a large number of sailors visited the port, and it enhanced Bunbury’s reputation as a hospitable place (reference).

The public meeting, held on 9 May 1901, was attended by the president of the State W.C.T.U., Mrs Clark. The ladies pleaded their cause, but John Leslie indicated that he had not said he would terminate the lease - Miss Cons had mistaken his lack of response as a rejection - and would assist the ladies as much as possible in continuing. However, Mr Hayward, a prominent businessman, moved that a building committee be formed with himself, Miss Buchanan, Miss Cons and Captain Abrahamson (reference). On 15 May this committee selected a site “on the sea side of the strand, about a chain from Henry-street. Mr. Thos. Hayward, M.L.A., promised, at an early date, to endeavor to get the Government to give this site in exchange for that on the plains, which is already in the possession of the Sailors' Rest” (reputation). However, nothing seems to have come from this.

In April 1901, Eliza travelled to the Eastern States and attended the W.C.T.U. triennial convention in Melbourne as one of six delegates from Western Australia (reference). While there she “was appointed Australasian Superintendent of Sailors, this honor being the only one given to West Australia” (reference). After the conference, she visited South Australia and spoke at a W.C.T.U. meeting there (reference).

At the beginning of 1904, it was announced that “The foundation stone of the new Sailors' Rest, which is to be erected on the corner of Ommaney and Wollaston streets, will be laid on Friday, January 27, at 4 p.m., by the Mayoress (Mrs C. E. Spencer) and Mrs Robert Forrest. The Lord Bishop of Bunbury has consented to be present and take part in the ceremony. All interested are invited.” (reference). At the ceremony, the foundation stones, which were donated by Miss Cons sister from London, had copies of the local papers inserted in niches and “were lowered into position and "well and truly laid" by the Mayoress and Mrs Robt. Forrest.”  (reference) Mr N. J. Moore M.L.A “extended his congratulations and appreciation to Miss Cons on the successful accomplishment of the work which had been so dear to her for so many years. The building would be a monument to her untiring energy and perseverance and an evidence of what could be accomplished by one earnest person who was prepared to devote time and talents to charitable undertakings.” He also added “For the success of Miss Cons' endeavors, they were largely indebted to Mr Robert Forrest, who had kindly advanced the money to erect the building.”  (reference) Mr Geo. Hayward also “expressed his appreciation of Miss Cons, who had gone to so much time and trouble and who had 'stuck to it to the last,' and who had fortified herself by her determination — ' I must have this Rest.'” (reference)

Finally, on Wednesday 3 May 1905, the new Sailors’ Rest Building was opened and “marked another progressive movement in the history of Bunbury”(reference). The Rest had cost ₤550 to build and the trustees of the building were Thomas Hayward, Robert Forrest and Eliza Cons. Eliza emphasised that the Rest was “undenominational, and though advocating temperance principles was not connected with any Temperance Society in the town.” The Mayor of Bunbury, Mr C. E. Spencer, in his address praised Eliza saying “that they were all aware of the history of the Sailors' Rest. They knew also with what energy Miss Cons had worked in its interests, starting in the smallest way and now, after the lapse of several years, had succeeded in establishing such an institution as was to be opened that afternoon. The building was a credit to Bunbury. He personally congratulated Miss Cons and those who had assisted her in working up the Sailors' Rest as they had done, and wished them every success.” (reference). Mr Moore M.L.A. added to this saying, “Miss Cons was in the right way of securing the interest and support of all classes and sections of the community. Only by awakening such interest was it possible to secure philanthropic assistance” (reference).

Eliza Cons, with the growing assistance of her niece Violet Baylis, ran the Sailors’ Rest until 1920. During that time, the Rest consistently provided a welcoming place for the thousands of sailors who visited Bunbury. Considering the times, this was no mean feat for these two women who proved their versatility and fortitude of spirit many times over. They had to act spontaneously. An example of this was in 1909 when the French cargo ship, the Gael, was shipwrecked about 200 miles from Cape Leeuwin. Thirteen of the crew, two little kittens and a cockatoo were rescued by Captain Coalstad and brought to Bunbury. When they arrived the “rescued men on landing were given hearty cheers. They marched up to the Sailors' Rest with their pets and belongings under their arms” (reference). Their situation was assessed and “the sick cook was examined by Br. Flynn, who sent him to the hospital. At the Sailors' Rest the services of an interpreter were obtained, as it was found that the mate alone could speak English” (reference). Then, “the crew were accommodated at the Sailor's Rest, and soon appeared to be comfortable” (reference). Upon finding the other half of the crew, they were sent to the Fremantle Sailors’ Rest. Before departing for Fremantle, those rescued at Bunbury showed their gratitude for the quality of hospitality they had received:

“The shipwrecked crew of the ship Gael, who landed at Bunbury, left a memento of their visit to this town in the shape of the boat's flag, which they presented to the Sailors' Rest. They were very grateful for the kindness they received, and in fact expressed some regret at leaving a town where they had received so much consideration” (reference). When they were leaving Australia  to return home, it was reported that: “The officers and crew of the barque are loud in their praises of the kind treatment they have received at Bunbury” (reference).

Throughout the war years, when most fundraising efforts were directed to the soldiers, the Rest came close to not having enough funds to continue on several times (reference; reference). Nevertheless, these ladies ‘soldiered on’. By 1915, there was only ₤40 left to pay off the building and in 1920, when Miss Cons, aged 78 years, handed over the Rest to the “Mission to the Seamen” it was debt-free (reference; reference). 

Although there have been name and location changes, her work continues in Bunbury today as The Mission to Seafarers run by the Anglican Diocese (reference).

Compassion for All

Although the welfare of the sailors, social reform and temperance were Miss Cons main goals, she was known for the “splendid manner in which she assisted any deserving cause that came under her notice.” (reference). Some examples include in 1898 she presented the Western Australian Mueller Botanical Society a collection of “artistically mounted” local wildflowers (reference). In 1899, she became a member on the Wellington Education Board. Although she had been nominated already by the members of the current board, “the Department was anxious to have two ladies on the Board and had received the nominations of Miss Stafford and Miss Cons from the Resident Magistrate” (reference). At the first meeting, Miss Cons suggested “that the members of the Board should be provided with a list of absentee children at each meeting.” (reference). Eliza extended her help to several of the different religions in Bunbury, not just for her Anglican faith. She helped out on the stalls for the Church of England (reference) and the Wesleyan’s Christmas Tree (reference). She donated clothes to the Catholic House of Mercy (reference) and found suffrage allies in the congregational ministers Reverend Bufton and Reverend Buchanan (reference).

Eliza passed away on 6 May 1924 at the old age of 82 and is buried at the Bunbury Cemetery. Had Eliza Cons stayed in England, she probably would have had the same acknowledgement as her sisters and niece have received in England. Instead, she came to Bunbury, where she worked tirelessly to improve the community and through her work with the sailors, spread goodwill towards the small Western Australian port around the globe. Bunbury was indeed fortunate. 

Research of Eliza Cons was conducted by Gaye Englund for the streetsofbunbury project using newspapers, the Dictionary of National Biography and the following published books:

Kevin Binfield’s ‘Writings of the Luddites’ 1816

Richard Findlater’s ‘Lilian Baylis: the Lady of the Old Vic’ 1975

Susie Gilbert’s ‘Opera for Everybody: The Story of English National Opera’ 2017

Andea Geddes Poole’s ‘Philanthropy and the Construction of Victorian Women’s Citizenship: Lady Frederick Cavendish and Miss Emma Cons’ 2014