Leonard Leslie WARREN (1890-1982) and Burdett LAUNDER (1891-1974)
Family Stories > 3rd GENERATION
Leonard and Burdett Warren were my Paternal Grandparents - 3rd Generation
1. Nola Irene Warren
2. .... George Ernest Edward Warren & Iris Ella Ford
3. .... .... Leonard Leslie Warren and Burdett Launder
Leonard Leslie WARREN
BIRTH 16 April 1890 Kaniva, Victoria, Australia
SPOUSE Burdett Launder
MARRIAGE 17 May 1911 Prahran, Victoria, Australia
WITNESSES L. M. Warren and L. M. Warren
DEATH 6 November 1982 Thornbury, Victoria, Australia
WHERE BURIED Boroondarra, C of E, "C", Grave 3982
AGE AT DEATH 92 years
OCCUPATIONS Clerk,Painter,Traveller
RESIDENCES 1890 Kaniva, Victoria
1911 26 Trinian Street, Prahran
1916 5 Francis Street, Prahran
1917 452 Malvern Road, Prahran
1920 MacLeod Road, Carrum
1933 2 Burnley Street, Richmond
1935 119 Derby Street, Kew
1937 97 Flinders Street, Thornbury
1956 Springvale Road, Springvale North
1958 4 Rayner Court, West Preston
1980 4 Carwarp Street, McLeod
CHILDREN - 1. Robert Leslie James Warren (1912 - 1992)
2. George Ernest Edward Warren (1913 - 2003)3. Albert Herbert Melville Warren (1914 - 1994)4. Unnamed Female Warren (1935 - 1935)
BURDETT LAUNDER
BIRTH 13 November 1891 at home at 7 Cyril Street, Windsor, Windsor, Victoria, Australia
MOTHER Mary Burdett SALISBURY
MARRIAGE 17 May 1911 Prahran, Victoria, Australia
WITNESSES L. M. Warren and L. M. Warren
DEATH 3 January 1974 Macleod, Victoria, Australia
AGE AT DEATH 83 years
BURIED Boroondarra, C of E, "C", Grave 3982
OCCUPATION Milliner
RESIDENCES BEFORE MARRIAGE
1891 5 Cyril Street, Windsor
1894 5 Mount Street, Prahran
1895 11 Cyril Street, Windsor
1907 2 Bowen Street, Prahran
1910 720 High Street, Armadale
Leonard Leslie Warren - His Story
My grandfather, Leonard Leslie Warren, was a force with which to be reckoned. It seems that in his early years, perhaps up until the time he had to declare bankruptcy, he was an energetic, community minded young man who rolled up his sleeves to build his family a home literally from the ground up. The house in McLeod Road Carrum which he built was impressive in its day and to my knowledge is still standing today.
He was probably a tough father to his sons but stood up for their rights when the need arose. His boys referred to him as ‘The Old Man’.
That he loved women cannot be denied as it seems he was well known for his dalliances, if not his affairs. One story told to me was that when his son, Robbie, brought home a particularly good-looking new girl, Leonard Leslie sent Robbie on an errand so he could get to know the girl a bit better. One of his young women ‘friends’ was so much like Robbie’s eventual bride, Rene Ford, that Burdett was heard to mutter from her place in the church on Robbie and Rene’s wedding day that she would rather see Robbie in his coffin than be married to ‘that woman’. A terrible thing to say but thought to be because Burdett was confusing Rene with one of Leonard Leslie’s ‘lady friends’.
He was an active, competent and determined man - in his early years he was involved in many community events and offices and proved himself to be a good administrator, although it appears he brooked few challenges to his opinions and actions. Many of his Buckley family relatives spoke highly of him as he helped them with many of their problems and assisted in the arrangements of their girls’ weddings on several occasions.
His almost single-handed erection of his family home in Carrum was a magnificent achievement.
But after his bankruptcy, he seems to have become an embittered man. Perhaps he blamed others for his financial problems. Perhaps his self-confidence was dented. It has also been suggested that he was bitter because he enlisted in both the major wars whereas none of his three sons served in any of the armed forces. Perhaps, perhaps …… Or perhaps money management was not one of his strengths.
I was born in 1945 and stayed with them at their house in Thornbury for all public holidays and later school holidays for many years, so my experience of him is in his later years - after his bankruptcy. To me, he had a reputation as a bull of a man with a bad temper to match. He was either glowering or shouting.
As a husband to Burdett, he could have been better. I witnessed many instances of verbal abuse directed at Burdett whilst staying in their house.
I never witnessed or heard of him involved in any physical violence – just threats of violence, emotional violence and abuse. Shouting – or roaring – was his preferred style of communication it seemed. He even took to abusing clients of the business Warren & Sons if they complained or wanted something which he deemed ridiculous to the point that he was eventually ‘retired’ from playing an active part in the business. And at the shops in Springvale where he ran the Delicatessen next to the Milk Bar that my parents ran, his idea of 'service' was questionable.
In his last few years, he became quieter and more thoughtful as is often the way with older people.
Leonard Leslie Warren – His Early Life
1890
1890 was a year for important historical events including the first flight of a steam-powered fixed wing aircraft in France, perhaps not impressive by today’s standard of supersonic jets, but nevertheless, the first ever take-off of an air-plane solely under its own power. It flew 50 metres at a height of just 20 cm.
And in England, Scotland Yard headquarters were moved to a building on London’s Victoria Embankment and became known as the New Scotland Yard.
In America, the last of the Indian wars were coming to a decisive end with the death by police of the Indian leader, Sitting Bull. A few weeks later, the Wounded Knee Massacre occurred when the Army used force to disperse Lakota Sioux Indians from what was supposed to be a non-violet gathering. The Sioux were the last tribe to be defeated and sent to a reservation, thus beginning the decline of the American Indians and the opening of the American West.
1890 – Birth of Leonard Leslie Warren
Across the other side of the world in a small town called Kaniva in regional Victoria, Australia where there lived a family headed by Charles James Warren and his wife Agnes, nee McNay, their sixth child of their eventual ten children was fighting his way into the world. Born on April 16 in the year of 1890, the parents named their latest baby Leonard Leslie Warren.
Thus, was born my grandfather – Leonard Leslie Warren – who was for most of his later life known as “Les” Warren.
His parents had travelled from Happy Valley in South Australia to try their luck at farming in Victoria and chose the countryside around Kaniva as a likely spot, arriving there in 1886. As with most of the hopeful settlers who took up land under the Grant Land Scheme, the reality of working the land was far from the dreams with which they had arrived. The land needed to be cleared of tall timbers and scrub, fenced, ploughed, and planted. A hut of some sort needed to be built to accommodate the family, and an income produced from their crops - all within the strict timelines set out under the Scheme. Many hopefuls left the area poorer in funds and more broken in spirit than when they had arrived.
Leonard Leslie’s Uncle Oliver – elder brother to Charles James Warren – had arrived in Kaniva from South Australia in about 1882 to try his luck at farming so it is likely the two families helped each other. As Oliver Warren had a small allotment in town on which it is probable, he had a small hut or house, it may have been that Charles James Warren and his family shared their living arrangements.
By the time of Leonard Leslie’s birth in 1890, Uncle Oliver had buried his last-born daughter and his wife, both dying in Kaniva.
Leonard Leslie Warren was the second of his siblings to be born at Kaniva and four more followed him to complete the family of ten children.
The birth registration shows Leonard Leslie, a boy, was born in Kaniva, Lowan Shire, father Charles Warren, Baker, 35 years, born Happy Valley. His mother was named as Agnes nee McNay aged 33 years and it seems she had delivered her baby unaided and alone. Charles Warren and Agnes McNay were married on April 14, 1878 in Adelaide. His father was the informant of the birth and registration was dated May 28, 1890 in Kaniva.
1899 – Marriage of Mabel May Warren
When Leonard Leslie was a nine-year-old, his eldest sister, Mabel May Warren, born 1881, married Robert Darlington Buckley Jnr. in 1899 and set up house in the Glenlee Homestead, Kaniva.
Carting at Glenlee Homestead, Kaniva C 1920
The Warren and the Buckley families of the Kaniva area were close and kept in touch for many years. Many holidays were spent by both the adults and children back in the country around Kaniva over many years and even today, close relationships exist between some of the descendants.
Buckley Family at Glenlee Homestead, Kaniva - L to R :
Charles Roy Buckley (son of Robert Darlington Buckley Jnr & Mabel May, nee Warren), Jack Buckley ?, Agnes May Buckley, Mary Irene Buckley, Unknown,
Robert Leslie Buckley, Mabel May Buckley nee Warren, and Robert Darlington Buckley Jnr.
The first ten years of life would have been an adventure for the young Leonard Leslie – in stark contrast to the hardships suffered by his parents. He rode horses, helped on the farming plots on which his father toiled, and had plenty of Warren and Buckley siblings with which to associate.
From L to R standing :
Robert Darlington Buckley Jnr. , William John Edwards, husband of Ivy Olive Warren, George Ernest Edward Warren, Leonard Leslie Warren
From L to R Seated : Merva Edwards (daughter of Ivy Olive Warren & William John Edwards), Mabel May Buckley, nee Warren, Burdett Warren, nee Launder.
From L to R Seated on Ground : Olive May Edwards & Marcelle Edwards, (daughters of Ivy Olive Warren & William John Edwards,)
He received an education at the Kaniva School which was little more than a shed to accommodate all classes up to grade six. Leonard Leslie received an education to grade eight, so the remainder of his schooling was provided in Melbourne.
1900 - Melbourne
But there must have been serious tensions in the family, because about 1900 when Leonard Leslie was about 10 years old, and after the birth of the 10th baby, named Vera Loveday Warren in 1900, the family pulled up stakes and moved to Melbourne whereupon Leonard Leslie’s parents separated.
Charles James Warren and his wife Agnes moved separately between their children’s residences from 1900 until their deaths, never again living together. Just where the children lived, I can’t determine, however, it is likely they stayed with their mother, Agnes, wherever she found shelter until they were old enough to leave home and face the world on their own.
At this point in his story, Leonard Leslie is about 10 years old. From his later application to join the army, we know he stated he had received education until grade 8, however, with some knowledge of him as his grand-daughter, this may or may not have been correct, as he was ever known to be ‘elastic’ with the truth. However, his education was certainly sufficient for him to have good hand-writing skills, be numerically able and be able to develop management and organisational abilities as he matured.
Exactly what income earning activities he engaged in prior to his marriage at age 21 years, it is not known to me other than that he was a driver or traveller of some sort just prior to his marriage in 1911.
Burdett Launder - Her Early Life
1891 – Birth of Burdett Launder
About a year after the birth of Leonard Leslie Warren and several hundred kilometres south east of Kaniva, a little girl was born in Prahran, a suburb of Melbourne.
On the 13th day of November in 1891, Burdett Launder was born – the sixth and last-born child of her parents, Roberts Launder and Mary Burdett Salisbury, at the family home at 5 Cyril Street, Prahran. The house was a single fronted work-man’s cottage which nestled amongst many similar residences in the street as well as the adjoining lanes and streets. And yes, her father’s name was Roberts – with an ‘s’!
Where did the name ‘Burdett’ come from? Certainly, it was her mother’s second name, and her maternal grandfather, Richard Salisbury, sometimes adopted ‘Burdett’ as his second name, and sometimes ‘Albert’. Many years of searching has yet to clarify the origins of the name.
1910 – Death of Burdett's Father, Roberts Launder
The Launder family moved several times during the next seventeen or so years and by 1910 at the time of the death of her father, Roberts Launder, the family were living at 720 High Street, Armadale when Burdett was about 19 years old. They lived behind and above a shop front which housed the family painting and decorating business. In fact, Burdett’s father, Roberts, died as a result of lead poisoning which was in those times an ingredient in paints and emulsions which were made in the shop.
The photo shows two of the Launder family posing at the door of the shop, the man on the left is most likely Roberts Launder, the other being his son, Harold Launder.
It is not clear whether Burdett received much of an education but judging by her lack of expertise with a pen, it is likely she fell under the radar of the education requirements of the time. Nevertheless, Burdett worked as a milliner (a maker of ladies’ hats) prior to her marriage - a job that required expertise as a needlewoman and creativity.
Nothing much else is known about Burdett's early life - so go now to the page for Leonard Leslie Warren for the rest of her story.
Leonard Leslie Warren & Burdett Launder - Their Life Together
1911 – Marriage
It is not known where or when Leonard Leslie and Burdett met or what was the attraction for the pair. Leonard Leslie Warren was a good looking strongly built young man and if his later life is an indication, a man who didn’t mince words and had strong opinions, whereas Burdett was tall, painfully thin with a longish face (a Launder family trait), lovely curly auburn hair, and likely shy. Nevertheless, they met and agreed to marry!
Leonard Leslie Warren of 26 Trinian Street, Prahran, was 21 years of age, a Traveller by profession, a bachelor, birth-place Kaniva, father Charles James Warren a baker, and his mother was Agnes nee McNay.
His bride, Burdett Launder of 720 High Street, Armadale, was 19 years old, a milliner, a spinster, birth-place Windsor, father Roberts Launder, deceased, a painter, and her mother was Mary Burdett Salisbury.
They married on May 17, 1911 at the Registry Office in Cecil Street, Prahran.
Leonard Leslie Warren signed his name to the certificate – Burdett Launder also signed, albeit with a shaky and inexperienced hand showing her limited education. It actually looks like Burdett signed her first name and some-one else, perhaps Leonard Leslie, wrote her surname for her. As the bride was under the age of consent, her mother had provided written consent to the marriage.
Witnesses to the marriage were two people with the same initials – L.M. Warren. Most likely one of these people may have been Leonard Leslie’s brother, Linden Melville Warren.
1912 – Census
A year after their marriage and at the time of the 1912 census, Leonard Leslie Warren was registered at 720 High Street, Armadale, working as a painter. This address was where Burdett had lived with her family prior to her marriage and where the newly-weds lived for a couple more years.. It may have been that the newly-weds were living at this address prior to moving to their own home. Burdett was not listed on the census because she was under 21 years. In fact, it is not until 1919 that I found her listed on any census.
1912 – Birth of Robert Leslie James Warren
It looks like Leonard Leslie and Burdett Warren moved out of her parents’ home into their own home at 443 Malvern Road, Hawksbury which is where all three of their sons were born. The first-born baby was born on July 6 in 1912 and they named their baby, Robert Leslie James Warren, always after called ‘Robbie’.
Name: Robt Leslie Jas WarrenBirth Registration Date: 1912Birth Registration Place: Victoria, AustraliaFather: Leonard Leslie WarrenMother Maiden Name: LaunderReference Number: 24340Ancestry.com. Victoria, Australia, Birth Index, 1837-1917
Robbie was such a beautiful baby and toddler and Burdett idolised him – keeping him in long curls until he was nearly 7 years old. Robbie’s hair was a dark auburn.
Robert Leslie Warren, aged about 6 years
1913 – Birth of George Ernest Edward Warren
Very soon after the birth of Robbie arrived his brother, George Ernest Edward Warren, my father on August 16 in 1913. He also was born at home at 443 Malvern Road, Hawksburn, Victoria.
Name: Geo Ernt Edwd WarrenBirth Registration Date: 1913Birth Registration Place: Victoria, AustraliaFather: Leonard Leslie WarrenMother Maiden Name: LaunderReference Number: 26184Ancestry.com. Victoria, Australia, Birth Index, 1837-1917
George (my father) told me the story that when he was born, the midwife had to call a doctor because Burdett was having trouble delivering her baby. After a long labour, Burdett was finally delivered of her son, but the doctor took one look at the scrawny, blue baby, tossed the little thing onto the end of the bed and said ‘he won’t last the night’ so we’d better try to save the mother. Luckily, both survived! George’s hair was a bright golden ginger.
1914 – Birth of Albert Herbert Melville Warren
It was in 1914 that the First World War was declared and also the year that Leonard Leslie and Burdett’s third son arrived on September 21 – again at home at 443 Malvern Road, Hawksburn, Victoria.
Name: Albt Hubert Melville WarrenBirth Registration Date: 1914Birth Registration Place: Victoria, AustraliaFather: Leonard Leslie WarrenMother Maiden Name: LaunderReference Number: 26442Ancestry.com. Victoria, Australia, Birth Index, 1837-1917
Bert’s hair was a dark red. Was his name ‘Herbert’ or ‘Hubert’? It seems he adopted the name ‘Herbert’ for himself at a later stage or perhaps it was simply an error in the transcription of the original record.
1916 – Residence
Leonard Leslie and his family were now living at 5 Francis Street, Prahran, but not for long.
1917 – Residence
Another house move to 452 Malvern Road, Prahran. All these residences have since been demolished.
1918 – Enlistment
WW1 had been raging for four years in which Australia was very much embroiled. Leonard Leslie and his family were living at 452 Malvern Road, Prahran when he decided to enlist in the AIF. He was a married man with three children aged between 4 and 6 years. He gave his correct date of birth – he was 28 years old and his occupation was driver. On the October 17 in 1918 he was found fit for service and was directed to the Recruit Depot Battalion in Broadmeadows, Victoria for training on October 28.
1918 – Demobilisation
At last WW1 ended in 1919 but on December 24 in 1918, Leonard Leslie was demobilisation from the AIF. He had not been long in service in the AIF at this time – only 69 days and he had not left Australia during this service period.
Many years later, he insisted he had ‘served’ in the first world war, had sailed from Australia in HMS Queen Elizabeth 1 and was therefore entitled to a defence force pension. AIF pensions were only paid to servicemen who had served overseas. When the question of his pension entitlement was posed to the Defence Department, they were unable to substantiate his claim and he was, quite rightly, denied this pension.
1920 – Building a Home at Carrum
Leonard Leslie and Burdett had been married for 9 years and had three sons aged 8, 7 and 6. Leonard Leslie had purchased a house in Carrum, but later purchased a block of land close by on which to build his own house.
Leonard Leslie at working building his house at Carrum
Work on building this home at Carrum commenced. He roped his sons into helping with making the bricks for the house in the backyard of the property in Carrum. He erected his framework and floor frames then began laying the bricks, for it was a solid brick house. I would like to see a young man of today undertake such a daunting task and succeed so well at it!
At the time, Carrum was little more than scrub land and it was a few more years before the street was named McLeod Street. Prior to the naming, the address was simply – L.L. Warren, Carrum, Victoria.
The finished Carrum House
To help bring food to the table, Leonard Leslie’s boys would trap rabbits in the surrounding paddocks.
1921 – Carrum, Macleod Road
With the building work completed, it was in this home that the family lived until about 1933. During this time, Leonard was active in his community, joining the East Carrum Progress Association. As the association was a newly formed group, it is quite possible that Leonard was a driving force behind its beginnings.
Leonard Leslie served as honorary secretary for much of the time that he was involved, apart from resigning from the job for a short time after a dispute with none other than his brother, Victor Charles Warren who was also a member and who rose to Junior Vice President of the association.
Leonard Leslie was also secretary to the East Carrum Ratepayers‘ League during this period.
It seems that Leonard Leslie ensured all news from the meetings and associated events were recorded in the local newspapers so we can plot his and the association’s progress through the next few years. It is even possible that Leonard Leslie actually penned the articles for inclusion in the papers.
1922 – East Carrum Progress Association
A newspaper report dated July 7, 1922 when Leonard Leslie was Secretary to the East Carrum Ratepayer’s League -
COMBINED PROGRESS ASSOCIATIONS - MEETING OF DELEGATES.The monthly meeting of the Combined Progress Association delegates was held at Carrum on Saturday evening, 24th ult.Present:– Mr. S. Spielvogel (president , Carrum) Messrs. Roy Beardsworth and J. Ludford (Chelsea), Mr P. Chitty (Long Island), Mr. J. Henderson- (Edithvale), and W. Crawford Young, secretary (Frankston).Apologies were received from Messrs. B. Wiltshire (Seaford), Fullford (Chelsea), Crouch (Long Island) and Crs. Stephens and Rigby (Carrum).Mr. J. Jack, organiser of the Peninsula Free Ambulance Brigade, wrote suggesting that a public meeting be held at Chelsea or Aspendale, as he was hopeful of securing Mr. Corser, M.P., of Queensland, as a speaker. The Chelsea delegates thought that a meeting could be worked up at Chelsea and Mr. Jack is to be communicated with as to cost of organising.Letters from the Railway Commissioners, relating to train service were received.The Underwriters' Association wrote stating that a definite reply to Association's request for reduction in fire insurance rates would be forwarded at an early date.Mr. Leonard L. Warren, secretary of East Carrum Ratepayers' League wrote thanking Association for invitation to send delegates to monthly meeting and stating that business of the League would be transacted through the Carrum delegates, for the present.Chelsea delegates were empowered to interview Railway Commissioners re proposal to allow one class travelling on suburban trains in the mornings before 9 o'clock, and in the evenings between 5 and 6 o'clock, owing to the shortage of accommodations.Mr. Beardsworth reported re interview he had with P.M.G.'s Department in connection with securing a telephone exchange at Chelsea. Mr. Beardsworth said he was informed that there was no immediate prospect of getting the exchange.Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic : 1921 - 1939), Friday 7 July 1922, page 2
1922 – The Week at Carrum
A week or so later on July 28, 1922, another newspaper report -
THE WEEK AT CARRUM.The fine weekend brought a number of visitors to Carrum. The Quadrille Club, which hold dances every Saturday night at the hall, are to be commended on the management. Mr. T. Symons is the general manager and is ably backed up by a strong committee of ten, who see that the affair is properly carried out. The motto of the club is "respectability." Good music and the latest dances make the night very enjoyable.A successful euchre tournament was held on Wednesday night at the residence of Miss Cant. The evening was for the benefit of the football club.A snooker tournament is now being arranged at Mr. E. Coulthard's billiard parlour, "Luxton Cafe". The tournament will be an open one and will be handicapped.The A.N.A. held a "Smoke Night" last week at Seacombe House. Mr. McGinsky acted as chairman, and there was a good attendance present. A good programme was rendered, and from reports everybody enjoyed themselves.Paramount Pictures appear to be taking a good hold here. Patrons who have attended state that the films shown are really splendid. It is the aim and object of the management to show the best, and with the assistance of the public, every Tuesday night's show will be well worth seeing.Two meetings are to be held Saturday night, this week, here. East Carrum Ratepayers' - A meeting full of interest and debates of the Carrum Progress Association was held on Saturday evening last, at Seacombe House. The President (Mr. S. Barker) occupied the chair, and there was an attendance of fifteen members present. Mr. E. Samuels gave a splendid report of the visit of the Railway Authorities at Chelsea last week and stated the electric trains would be running through on the 20th August, while on the 27th August a full service would be given. He also dealt with other items and stated that he felt sure that with the service which we are to have the whole district would be benefited with a bright future in front of us. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Samuels for the interest shown by him on the deputation.Besides representing the Progress, he looked after the interest of the East Carrum Ratepayers' League. Mr. J. Robertson brought up the matter of the poor police protection which we are now served with and stated that during the past week four robberies had been committed, while others had not been reported. It was decided that a deputation, consisting of Crs. H. Rigby and A. Boyd, and Mr. E. Samuels, wait on the Commissioner of Police (Mr. A. Nicholson), and place the matter before him, urging him to supply Carrum with a permanent man.The hon. secretary (Mr. Leonard L. Warren) was instructed to write to the secretary of the Fire Under-writers, asking for the information whether a plan of the fire plugs of Carrum had been received from the States and Rivers Water Supply. It appears that the district were promised as soon as fire plugs were installed that the insurance premiums would drop in price, but so far there has been no reduction, although the plugs have been ready for some time.The matter of the new post office was again under discussion, and it was decided that the petition (which has been signed by a large number of ratepayers) will be presented to the Member for the district, Capt. Bruce, to be placed before the Postmaster-General. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded a very successful meeting.Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), Friday 28 July 1922, page 5
1922 – Carrum Letter
OUR CARRUM LETTER.DATE September 29, 1922A large number of local residents visited the Show during the week and speak very highly of the exhibits and shows.The monthly meeting of the Combined Progress Associations (Frank-ston, Long Island, Seaford, Carrum, Chelsea, Edithvale, and Aspendale) will be held on Saturday night at Carrum.East Carrum Ratepayers' League held their usual fortnightly meeting last Saturday night before a full attendance of members. Vice-President Mr. Kerslake occupied the chair. Under correspondence a letter from the Council re the placing of culverts at Dahmen and Canberra Streets, as asked for by the League, was dealt with. The Council intimated that the cost of the two culverts 20ft. long at the entrance to the streets, would be liable for the cost. If it was desired that the culverts be constructed under those conditions, the Council would put the work in hand forthwith. Mr. Arnott moved that the Council be written to stating that the ratepayers failed to see why they should bear the cost of providing drainage for McLeod Road. The culverts were wanted for the purpose of draining water away from the entrance to the streets, which prevented people using same. It was the Council's duty to see to this as the water came off McLeod Road.The ratepayers (who were members of the League, and owned property in the streets) were prepared to pay this portion of cost of the work providing the Council filled in the big gutter in McLeod Road and made new channels, so as to drain the storm water away. Mr. Victor Warren seconded the motion, which was carried.Five new members were elected and welcomed by the chairman. The Hon. Secretary, Mr. Leonard L. Warren, reported that the subscription lists for the hall was meeting with success.Several concerts and socials are now being arranged by the stall holders of the bazaar in aid of the funds of the local fire brigade to be held during the Christmas holidays. With Capt. A. H. Hacking and Hon. Secretary Harry Stride at the head, everything should go on swimmingly.A euchre tournament and pleasant evening was successfully carried out on Wednesday evening last in aid of the Memorial Fund at Miss Cant's. The Mayor, Cr. W. Stephens was in attendance.The Boys' Club, who hold dances at the hall every Saturday night, are now commencing the new season. The manager, Mr. T. Symons, has leased the hall for a term and under his supervision everything will be carried out as it should be. Success is fully deserved by the club, as whenever they have been asked for assistance, they have willingly given their services.The cantata and concert held last night in aid of the school funds at the hall was in every way a success. A large number of tickets have been sold and a good few have been collected. The first part of the pro-gramme was the "White Garland" contata. It was nicely put on and was well received. The second part was a concert.The fortnightly meeting of the Progress Association will be held tonight at Mr. E. Samuel's Seacombe House. One of the principal items to be decided is to arrange for a new meeting place, as owing to business matters the comfortable home they had at Seacombe House will not be available. The local cricket club has decided not to go in for competition, but to have friendly matches every Saturday.Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic.: 1921 - 1939), Friday 29 September 1922
1922 – Carrum Letter
On October 4, 1922 -
The Progress Association held its usual fortnightly meeting at Seacombe House last Saturday night. The President, Mr. S. Barker, occupied the chair before a full attendance of members.Correspondence was re ceived from the Council re Borough Memorial Fund, but no action was taken, also from Council in reference to the proposed High School.The Secretary, Mr. L. L. Warren, was instructed to write stating the Association were in accord with the proposition.Constable Nolan is doing good work here. Since his arrival there has not been nearly so much crime.Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), Wednesday 4 October 1922
1922 – Carrum News
CARRUM - ALL THE NEWS OF THE WEEK.DATE October 20, 1922A rather quiet meeting of the Progress Association was held on Saturday night last at the residence of the Mayor, Cr. W. Stephens. The attendance was not as good as usual, and the wet and miserable night was no doubt the cause of it.There was a good deal of correspondence sub-mitted by the Hon. Sec., Mr. Leonard L. Warren, which was duly dealt with. It was decided that the next meeting should take place at the fire station when nominations for officers for the next year will be received.A deputation will wait on the Deputy Post-master on Wednesday next in reference to a local post office.Burglars broke into the local station here last weekend and probably through being disturbed, very little was stolen. Fingerprints on a lamp were noticed and the lamp has been sent to headquarters. Constable C. Nolan has the case in hand. The robbery took place in the early hours of the morning when a piece of the wood door was cut out and the yale lock pushed back.Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), Friday 20 October 1922
1922 – East Carrum Ratepayers’ League – Letter to the Editor
Unfortunately, Leonard Leslie seems to have been a stickler for the rules and was most aggrieved when a letter was tabled of which he, as Secretary, was unaware. Heated words followed and although Leonard Leslie in his role as secretary was directed by the meeting to respond to the letter, he seems to have given the impression that he ‘might get around to the reply’.
His brother, Victor Warren who was Vice-President of the Association bought into the discussion by suggesting that the Association might be better with another person in the role of Secretary. No doubt, faces were red and words harsh at this juncture, and Leonard Leslie promptly resigned then and there.
Still indignant, Leonard Leslie took it upon himself to write to the Editor of the Frankston and Somerville Standard newspaper on November 3 in 1922 to state his case – to what end, I am not sure.
To the Editor.Sir, I beg to be permitted through the medium of your columns to make a correction in reference to the report of meeting of the East Carrum Ratepayers' League, on Saturday, 21st October, as forwarded to your paper by the junior vice-president, and which stated that warm words were exchanged between himself and the secretary, and that the secretary had refused to forward a letter to another body. Both statements are wrong.The warm words were all used by the vice-president, and the letter was to be written to an individual person.The facts are these:– Correspondence had been disposed of and reports called for, when the vice-president produced a letter written to him by another person and containing certain information which he desired to make the business of the League.I stated the matter was not in order, as the letter was written from one person to another in a private manner, and therefore could not have any bearing on the League.However, a resolution was moved and carried that the secretary reply to the person in respect of the information contained in the letter.I still held it was out of order, and said I was not sure when the reply would be sent, which brought forth some remarks from the vice-president and that he thought a change should be made in the Secretary - so, taking him at his word, I tendered my resignation which was (when it was found that I meant it) accepted with regret.Yours, etc., LEONARD L. WARREN, Late Sec. E.C.R.L.Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), Friday 3 November 1922
1922 – Reply re Disagreement
Leonard Leslie’s letter to the editor on November 3, brought a response from his brother, Victor Warren, dated November 15, 1922, also to the editor of the same newspaper stating the case as he saw it.
An indication of Leonard Leslie’s characteristic of raising his voice and trying to dominate his tormentor can be seen by his brother’s words in his reply.
And all this played out in the local newspaper. But Leonard Leslie was as good as his word and he would not resume his role as Secretary.
NAMESAKE IN DISAGREEMENT - EAST CARRUM RATEPAYERS' LEAGUETo the Editor. Sir, Kindly allow me to reply to a letter appearing in your columns recently over the name of Leonard L. Warren, late Secretary E.C.R.L.Your correspondent, in this letter, refers to a report of a meeting of the East Carrum Ratepayers' League, held on Saturday, 21st October, as having been (to use his own words) "forwarded to your paper by the Junior Vice-President."Now, sir, it is a matter of common knowledge that it is one of the rules of the press never to divulge the name of any individual reporter or that of the writer of an unsigned article, without the latter's consent.Mr. L.L. Warren must, therefore, be indulging in the pleasant pastime called "pot-shotting." So many of us practice it at Cup time trying to "'pick winners," that I suppose it is catching. It is usually a hopeless task.However, putting aside mere guess work and dealing with solid facts, what do we find? Simply, that Mr. Warren, on his own admission, whilst acting as secretary to the League, virtually refused to carry out the directions of the meeting as to a certain letter, after a resolution to that effect had been duly "moved and carried" (his own words again).Whether that letter were to be addressed to a "body" or, to a "person" is beside the point, and is simply straw-split-ting-- another pleasant pastime. And, when on the top of that, after it had been suggested that a change might be desirable, an individual, acting in an official capacity, hands in his resignation in the middle of a meeting, at a minute's notice, it is evident that something serious must have preceded this somewhat unusual course.To say that the "warm words" were all on the one side is rather too much of a stretch of the imagination. Warmth is generally caused by the friction of two or more bodies, unless it be spontaneous combustion (Nature study). For, Mr. Warren to expect anyone, who is in the least degree acquainted with him, to believe that he would permit "warm words" to be used by anybody criticising his actions, without replying in words, at least, as "warm," is asking, too much of poor human gullibility!!! All are not gulls who live near the sea.In conclusion, sir, allow me to add that the report of that particular meeting, as appearing in your paper, was substantially correct. I, myself, was present at the meeting, in my capacity of Junior Vice-President, and am therefore in a position to corroborate it, notwithstanding the scientific straw-splitting of my namesake, the late secretary.Thanking you in anticipation, yours etc., C. VICTOR WARREN.
Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), Wednesday 15 November 1922
1922 –East Carrum Ratepayers’ League – Annual Meeting
Leonard Leslie still attended meetings as a member, and it was no doubt pleasing to him to have been given a ‘hearty vote of thanks for his valuable work’ as Secretary at the annual meeting held on November 24, 1922.
The annual meeting of the above League was held on Saturday evening last at the residence of the President, Mr. J. Kerslake, who was unavoidably absent. The chair was taken by the vice-President, Mr. Victor Warren, before an attendance of 23 members.The election of officers then took place, and the Mayor was asked to take the chair during the proceedings. The following, officers were elected:–President, Mr. J. Kerslake; Vice-President, Messrs. Victor Warren (sen.) and J. Arnott (jun.); Hon. Sec., Mr. J. Westray; Treasurer, Mrs. J. Arnott; Special Delegate, Mr. W. Edwards; Auditors, Messrs. W. Asser and E. Samuels.On the motion of Messrs. Arnott and Asser, a hearty vote of thanks was recorded on the minutes to the retiring Secretary, Mr. L. L. Warren, for the valuable work he had done during his term. Mr. Warren, in returning thanks, stated he would still do his best to further the interest of the League.Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), Friday 24 November 1922
1922 - Progress Association
On November 29 nominations for officers of the Association were submitted, but still Leonard Leslie refused to take his role of Secretary in spite of ‘regret being expressed’ that he would not stand for election.
The nomination of officers of the Carrum Progress Association was held last Saturday night before a good attendance of members. Vice-President, Cr. A. Boyd, was in the chair.The following nominations were received - President . Cr. A. Boyd and Mr. C. Sharp; Vice-Presidents, Cr. H. Rigby, Mr. Sharp. and others; Secretary, Mr. Bunn; Treasurer, the Mayor (Cr. W. Stephens); Executive on Combined Progress, Cr. H. Rigby, S. Spielvogel, Victor Warren and C. Sharp.Regret was expressed at Mr. L. L. Warren not taking on the duties of hon. secretary again, as during the twelve months in which he held that office he has been very attentive to his work.Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), Wednesday 29 November 1922
1923 –An Unjust Embargo
Although only an ordinary member of the East Carrum group, Leonard Leslie still attended monthly meetings of the combined associations in his capacity as President of the East Carrum Taxpayers’ League, in which capacity, he addressed meetings.
At a meeting on January 31, 1923 he discussed actions by his League with regard to the labelling or zoning of land in his area.
At the monthly meeting of delegates from the Combined Progress Associations held last Saturday night it was decided to write to the Carrum Borough Council in support of the application made by a recent deputation from the East Carrum Tax-payers' League, asking that the embargo placed on land north of McLean Road be removed.
Mr. S. Spielvogel (president) occupied the chair and other delegates present were Cr. Rigby (Carrum), Cr. Beardsworth and Mr. L. A. Evans (Chelsea), Mr. B. Wiltshire (Sea-ford), Mr J. Henderson (Edithvale), Mr. Stanton Crouch (Long Island), Mr. L. L. Warren (East Carrum), and W. Crawford Young (Frankston), secretary.
This being the first meeting in the new year, the president extended a hearty welcome to delegates, and he expressed the hope that the success attending the efforts of former years would continue.He said he was pleased to notice the presence of Mr. L. L. Warren, president of the East Carrum Taxpayers' League, and informally moving that delegates from East Carrum be admitted, complimented the new League on the excellent work it was accomplishing. Cr. Rigby supported the resolution, which was carried unanimously.Mr. Warren referred to the action of the East Carrum Taxpayers' League, in approaching the Carrum Borough Council by deputation, with a request that the land north of McLeod Road be freed from the unjust embargo it now carries as being described as "land subject to floods." Mr. Warren said the Council had just freed land on the south side from a similar embargo and what applied to one sub-division applied to the other as the conditions were exactly the same. The land was not subject to floods. It was flooded in 1916 because the embankments had given way, but that was due to the neglect of the Department responsible for the care and maintenance of the embankment.He moved that the Combined Progress Associations request the Council to remove the embargo. Mr. B. Wiltshire. (Seaford) seconded. He had known the land in question since 1891 and could endorse the remarks of the previous speaker. Cr. Rigby said it was unjust and ridiculous to describe the land as being subject to floods. He had farmed the land for sixteen years and the only time he saw it flooded was in 1910 when the embankment broke away. It was the best land in the Borough, excellent soil, easily drained and roads were easy of construction.The settlers were all thrifty men and deserved encouragement. Cr. Beardsworth said he had made three visits of inspection to the land, and after most searching enquiry was satisfied that the embargo should be removed. It was impossible to ignore the evidence produced by the recent deputation from the East Carrum Taxpayers' League that waited on the council - the men who lived on the land should know what they were talking about. Now that the Council had passed the subdivision on the south side, the northern portion should be similarly treated. The flood of 1916 was only caused through the negligence of one of the Departments responsible for its maintenance. The motion was carried unanimously.John Finnerty, 80 years of age, and a fisherman at Flinders for many years, died recently at Flinders. He was born in a tent in what is now the very heart of MelbourneFrankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), Wednesday 31 January 1923
1923– Conference
Leonard Leslie attended another meeting on July 4, 1923 and agreed to assist in securing a suitable venue for an upcoming conference.
The monthly meeting of the executive of the Combined Progress Associations (Aspendale to Frankston) was held at Carrum last Saturday night. Fifteen delegates were present, including:—Mr. S. Spielvogel (president), the Mayor of Carrum Borough (Cr. W. Stephens), the president of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings (Cr. W. Armstrong), Mr. L. L. Warren (East Carrum), Cr. R. Beardsworth, Messrs. L. A. Evans and A. Ludford (Chelsea), Mr. J. D. Henderson (Edithvale), Messrs. Martorana, Miles, B. Wiltshire, Levy and Klauer (Seaford), and W. Crawford Young, hon. sec. (Frankston).FORTHCOMING CONFERENCE. In connection with the conference of Progress Associations to be held in Melbourne during Show week, Cr. Beardsworth reported that a room in the Town Hall could be engaged at £2/10/- for every three hours. This charge was considered too high, and it was resolved on the motion of Cr. Armstrong, seconded by Mr. Young that Cr. Beardsworth and Mr. L. L. Warren be authorised to secure another hall at once in a central position.Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), Wednesday 4 July 1923
1924 – Assistant Honorary Secretary Role Resumed
By October of 1924, Leonard Leslie had resumed the role of Assistant Honorary Secretary.
Assistant Hon. Secretary. Mr. L.L. Warren (East Carrum) re-elected unopposed.Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), Wednesday 8 October 1924
1925 – East Carrum Carnival
Leonard Leslie was again complimented on his secretarial abilities. His brother, Victor, featured as a handicapper for some of the races, and Burdett assisted with refreshments.EAST CARRUM CARNIVALDATE January 9, 1925On Boxing night (Friday December 26 last) a dance was held at the Carrum Hall by the East Carrum Carnival Committee. The cool weather attracted large numbers.The secretary (Mr. L. L. Warren) on being interviewed by a representative of this paper, stated the funds raised from the dance amounted to about £15.The music was supplied by "Leopold's" Band. Judging by the merry throng of people, everyone must have enjoyed themselves.Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), Friday 9 January 1925
A Great Success.Although the surrounding towns were holding sports, carnivals, etc., a record crowd attended. The side shows, which were plentiful, were well patronised.The Races - Winners of the horse racing events were:--The Woodwood Maiden Race (open): Mr. Scarborough's "Daphny," 1; Mr. Jones' "Grey Mare," 2; Mr. Binks' "Ginger Meggs," 3. The prizes were: £1 1st, 7/6 2nd, 2/6 3rd. Lomax Plate (open): Mr. Stephen's "Merry Christmas," 1; Mr. Crook's "Dolly," 2; Mr. Daley's "Daisy," 3. The prizes were: £1, 5/-, and 2/6.V. C. Warren Handicap: Mr. Wood-ward's "Baldy," 1; Mr. Crook's "Jim," 2; Mr. Crook's "Dolly,"East Carrum Cup:This was the principal event of the day, the prize being a silver cup donated by Mr. F. Jackson: W. Jones' "Never Mind," 1 (ridden by A. Webb); Mr. Woodwood's "Baldy," 2; Mr. A. Baxter's "Master Rupbert," 3. The time for the race was 44 secs. The distance was 4 furlongs.The Draught Horse Race was cancelled, owing to the fact that only one entry was received.Trotters' Handicap: Mr Daley's "Minnie," 1; Mr. Cotter's "Lazy Kate," 2; Mr. Woodwood's "Dolly," 3. Entries were received for all races up till time of starting.The handicappers were Messrs. W. Valentine and W. Woodwood, and the judges, Messrs. J. Cole and C. V. Warren.The hon. secretary, Mr. L. L. Warren, is to be complimented on the able way in which he carried out the secretarial duties.The following ladies were in charge of stalls:--Refreshments, Mesdames J. Kerslake, C. Westray, L. L. Warren, H. Bennett and E. Kerslake and Miss KerslakeThe financial side of the Carnival was a success.Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), Friday 9 January 1925
The last ten years in the life of Leonard Leslie and Burdett seemed to have been good ones, filled with community involvement in which Leonard Leslie earned high regard from his fellow community members. However, life for Leonard Leslie and Burdett was about to slide rapidly downhill from this time onwards for several reasons.
1930 - Strawberry Farming at Sylvan
My father, George Ernest Edward Warren told me that the family owned land at Sylvan in about 1930 where they grew strawberries with all the family helping with the work.
George Ernest Edward Warren (on right) with his cousin, Dick Launder in the strawberry field at Sylvan
According to a statement made by Leonard Leslie Warren to the Bankruptcy Board in 1934, Leonard had mortgaged his home in Carrum to raise money to purchase the land and plantings in order to provide employment for one of his sons who was unemployed at the time.
Unfortunately, it appears that he was sold a ‘dud farm’ which together with a ‘bad season for strawberries’ and the purchase of a horse to help with ploughing which died shortly after purchase, Leonard Leslie lost money. Leonard said that he had paid about £150 on the farming venture but was unable to even pay the first instalment of £52 on his debts after the first twelve months.
The farm had been worked by his sons while Leonard Leslie continued in his employment as a clerk in a city emporium, where he had been for 14 years – this was the Myer Emporium in Melbourne.
1931 – Knitting Trade for his Son
Leonard’s second son, George Ernest Edward Warren, found employment at various places during this time, one of which was with a knitting mill – Crundell’s Mills - located over the top of the Prahran market.
It is not clear whether this job finished for George, or if he thought he could make a go of setting up his own knitting business, but whatever the circumstances, George left Crundell’s, and with money secured by means of a promissory note from his father, Leonard, purchased knitting machines and started trading from the family home at Carrum. Eventually he moved his machines into a rented shop in Bridge Road, Richmond.
According to George’s journals, he made a fair attempt at keeping the business viable, however, as a small fish in a big pond, he found it difficult to purchase materials at reasonable prices whilst competing with the big manufacturers. Cheap imports from Japan were also starting to hit Australian shores.
Eventually the business failed, and no doubt the forced sale of his machines did not produce sufficient money to cover the promissory note his father had signed and Leonard was in financial trouble. I do not know what, if any, assistance was given to Leonard Leslie's other two sons at this time.
1933 – Carrum sold – Move to 2 Burnley Street, Richmond
Having mortgaged his home to help his sons, Leonard Leslie was forced to sell the house he had laboured so hard to build for his family. He moved them to a house at 2 Burnley Street, Richmond. It is unclear whether Leonard actually purchased this home or whether it was rented.
George Ernest Edward Warren and his mother Burdett Warren, nee Launder in the garden of Burnley Street, Richmond, About 1933
1933 – Radio Salesman Fined
Unusual Prosecution - Date August 8, 1933Stated to be the first prosecution of its kind by the Commonwealth in Victoria, a salesman was before the Richmond Court today on a charge of having counselled persons to use a wireless receiving set without holding a licence.Jack Charles Winder, manager of Langford Pickles and Co. Pty. Ltd., Swan Street, Richmond, was charged "that he did counsel certain persons, George Ernest Warren, Albert Herbert Warren and Mary Warren, of Burnley Street, Richmond, to use a wireless receiving set without a licence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919."George Ernest Warren said on June 14. in company with his brother, he went to the shop of Langford Pickles and Co., and asked Winder the price of a radio set in the window. That night the set was placed in his house. Two days later he asked Winder if it was necessary to have a licence. Winder told him it was not necessary, as he could have six or seven weeks' grace.Later, Winder was asked to take the set away. The set was still left in the home, and the inspectors called, and they were caught without a licence. When Winder was told that if he had taken away the set they would not have got into trouble, he replied: "That is your bad luck."Alfred A. R. Ware, wireless Inspector, said when he visited the shop winder only laughed when he told him the Warrens had said he (Winder) had told them they need not get a licence for six or seven weeks.Confronted with the Warrens, he said he might have said something about a licence.Winder, on oath, said that at no time did he suggest not having a licence The Warrens, who had signed a hire-purchase agreement, wanted him to say the set was out of order, to stop the prosecution.Mr W. J. Roberts (Commonwealth Law Department). "You won't deny that you said to Mr Wilson, of the department that if he went down to Warren's place he might find them without a licence?Winder. I may have said thatMr Tibb. P.M.: Although the bench does not view the matter as counselling the commission of on offence, it Is time this sort of thing was stopped in dealing with clients.Winder was convicted and fined £5 with £3/10/6d. costs. A stay of seven days was granted.Herald (Melbourne, Vic.: 1861 - 1954), Tuesday 8 August 1933
1933 – Bankruptcy
BANKRUPTCYLeonard Leslie Warren, clerk, of Burnley Street, Richmond.Causes of bankruptcy - Loss of farm, illness of wife and consequent expense, and reduced earnings. Liabilities, £371; assets, £225, deficiency, £146
1933 – Son in Trouble
Leonard Leslie and Burdett’s youngest son looks like to tried to help his mother with money in their time of need.
October 26, 1933 -FATHER OBJECTS TO SON'S BAIL - Brush with MagistrateWhen Mr Bond. P.M. in the City Court today, fixed ball at £50 in a case in which Albert Herbert Warren. 19, of 1 Burnley Street, Richmond, was remanded on a charge of larceny of a motorcycle, Warren's father objected that it was too heavy.Entering the witness box to make an application for lighter bail, he said: "It Is pretty hard."Mr Bond: What Is pretty hard?Warren: Your method of dealing with bail.Mr Bond; If you are going to criticise the Court, you will find yourself there. (Indicating the dock), Mr Bond added that the bail was in accordance with the nature of the charge. The magistrates could not let their sympathies run away with their duties.Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Thursday 26 October 1933
1933 – Son in Court
DISTRESSING SCENE IN COURT – Stole to Help MotherNovember 22Unemployed Youth's Offence.When Albert Herbert Warren, 19 years, storeman, Burnley Street. South Richmond, pleaded guilty, before Judge Foster in the Court of General Sessions yesterday, to two charges of having stolen motor bicycles from parking places in Melbourne, there was a distressing scene.His mother, in pleading for leniency, broke down in the witness box and sobbed convulsively. She told a pitiful story of her boy, who had been dux of his school, had then gone to a business college, had studied every night, and had to give up because he and his other brothers got out of work and money could not be found for him to continue his studies.Prisoner said he knew he was doing wrong, but he had sold the motor bicycles so that he could take some money home to his motherThere was another outburst on the part of the mother when his Honour announced sentences of imprisonment for twelve months on each charge, but relief came when his Honour said the sentences would be suspended on Warren entering into a bond of £20 to be of good behaviour for three years.Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), Wednesday 22 November 1933
Mother Pleads for Son
November 22While the prisoner's mother begged for leniency for her son, Judge Foster considered in General Sessions yesterday whether he would send Albert Herbert Warren, aged 19 years, storeman, of Burnley Street, South Richmond, to gaol for the theft of two motor-bicycles from parking places in the city. Warren had pleaded guilty to the offences.Mrs. Warren told Judge Foster that her son had always been a good boy, and had been dux of his school.Judge Foster (to Warren) - What have you got to say about this?Warren - I did it to take the money home.You knew this was wrong, of course?Yes.Judge Foster sentenced Warren to 12 months' imprisonment on each charge but made an order that sentence should be suspended if Warren entered into a bond of £20 to be of good behaviour for three years. The bond was signed, and Warren left the court with his mother and father.
Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Wednesday 22 November 1933
1933 – Marriage of Albert Herbert Melville Warren
The first of Leonard Leslie and Burdett’s sons married in 1933 to Kathleen May McCormack.
1934 – Bankruptcy
On April 17 in 1934, the following notice appeared in the Melbourne newspaper -
IN the Court of Bankruptcy, District of Victoria Re LEONARD LESLIE WARREN, of 2 Burnley Street, Richmond, Clerk, lately residing at MoorabbinDated this 16th day of April 1934. W. H. LOUGHREY, Official Receiver.
1934– Pleading re Bankruptcy
On April 24, 1934, Leonard Leslie Warren was called before the court to explain the circumstances which led to his bankruptcy plea. The newspapers reported the case thus -
TWO CASES OF PASSION FRUITClerk's Failure on FarmAn unprofitable farming venture, serious illness of his wife, and the unemployment of his three sons, who had been out of work continuously for more than two years were blamed by Leonard Leslie Warren, of Burnley Street, Richmond, who was examined in the Bankruptcy Court today for his inability to pay his debts.He said that in 1930 he paid a deposit on a berry farm at Sylvan for one of his sons. but he was the victim of misrepresentation. He was told that the passion fruit vines would bring him in a handsome income, but in twelve months, only two cases were harvested, which were sold at 5/- a case.It was a bad season for strawberries, which were unsaleable, and the raspberries did not bear.Then he bought a horse for £9 to do the farm work, but after three months it died of old age. He had been told that it was nine years old, but its real age was 21.ABANDONED FARMThe farm was abandoned at the end of 12 months. Warren said the farm returned nothing and at the end of 12 months, after spending £150 on it. He was unable to pay the first annual instalment of £52.The farm had been worked by his son while he continued in his employment as a clerk in a city emporium, where he had been for 14 years. His wife then fell ill. necessitating costly operations, and his sons entered on a home knitting venture, on borrowed money secured by his promissory note, which failed.Warren said he had mortgaged his house to raise money to try and establish his sons in business.The examination of Warren was adjourned.Herald (Melbourne, Vic : 1861 - 1954), Tuesday 24 April 1934
1935 – Change of Residence – Kew
In 1935, Leonard again moved his family to 119 Derby Street, Kew, but again not for long.
1935 – Stillborn Daughter
Was this the ‘serious illness’ that Leonard Leslie mentioned in his bankruptcy hearing?
Following Burdett’s death in 1974, an inquest was held in which it was noted that there was ‘an old scar from Umbilicus to Symphysis Pubis’ which would indicate an operation relating to a Caesarean operation.
My early research led me to establish the birth of a still-born daughter in 1935 to Burdett.
1938 - Leonard Warren - First Grandchild Born
Albert and his wife Kathleen produced the first grandchild for Leonard and Burdett - Leonard Warren.
Burdett Warren, nee Launder with first grandchild, Leonard Warren, son of Albert and Kathleen Warren
1936 – Change of Residence – Thornbury
By 1936, and I believe the exact date of their move was May 6 in that year, Leonard and Burdett and their three sons were living at 97 Flinders Street, Thornbury. The house was called ‘St. Elmo’.
It was a double-fronted weatherboard house, typical of the period. From the heavy front door with its lead-light glass inserts, special guests were ushered into the first door on the left to the ‘front room’. The ‘front room’ or ‘best room’ was rarely used and filled almost to over-flowing with heavy furniture - crystal cabinets, a lounge suit, occasional tables, side-boards - with lace antimacassars on the chair backs, lace curtains at the window and Burdett’s best ornaments, crystal and crockery displayed on every available surface. The ‘front room’ was only ever used for entertaining special guests or for more sombre events, such as funerals. Generally, the three boys were forbidden entry to this room, as were all the grandchildren who followed in later years.
To the right of the front door was Les and Burdett’s bedroom in which there was the double bed with a dark timber head-board and foot-board and dark timbered dressing table and wardrobes – again lace curtains with heavy side drapes at the single window which over-looked the small front garden.
The long narrow hallway was divided into ‘front’ and ‘back’ hall by heavy double-sided crushed velvet drapes hung from brass rods at the ceiling and caught at each side to the wall by braided heavy ties. The drapes were dark burgundy at the ‘front’ and a soft beige at the ‘back’. The floorboards in most of the house were ‘black-Japaned’ with heavy carpet squares and carpet runners in the hallway. ‘Black-Japan’ was a type of paint which was used on timber furniture and also floorboards to create a border or frame effect on the floor to show off colourful carpets, rugs and runners.
In the second bedroom on the right was a high iron-framed bed covered with down-filled eiderdown and a heavy white damask bedspread. Heavily starched white embroidered linen pillow-shams covered the pillows, and the sheets were always white linen which had been lightly starched and ironed. Under each bed was a china chamber-pot, usually beautifully decorated with painted roses, and over which Burdett kept a square of heavy white linen to keep unpleasant odours contained until the pot was emptied in the mornings.
At the end of the hallway was the kitchen, the dominant feature of which was the large black iron woodstove, on which Burdett would heat her dashing-irons. She would test their heat by brushing her wetted finger against the plate. When her finger sizzled, the irons were ready! There was also a large timber kitchen table at which eight people could sit as well as a glass fronted kitchen dresser, an ice-chest, and other miscellaneous cupboards. On a high shelf in the kitchen was a small brown glass bottle with the label ‘Laudanum’ which Burdett accessed for pain.
The dining room had an even larger table - a claw-footed dining table with matching chairs at which ten people could sit. There was a gas fire at one end alongside of which was Leonard Leslie’s rocking chair. Tucked into the nook beside the fire and handy to Leonard Leslie’s chair was a large radio. On the radio rested a black statue of a naked man and woman in an embrace and also a black statue of an elephant on whose back was a basket in which Leonard Leslie stored his pipe cleaners – and heaven help Burdett if it was not always well stocked!
Every morning at 10 o’clock, having hurried through her morning chores and with Leonard Leslie out of the house on some errand, Burdett would settle down with a cup of tea to listen to the radio.. First there was this announcement - “It is now 10 o’clock and the Commonwealth Bank is Open for Business!” followed by a quick news broadcast, then an hour of radio serials which included such as ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Blue Hills’.
The laundry, which was housed in a separate building at the rear of the house, was equipped with the usual wood-fired copper, concrete troughs, washboards, airing racks, and timber shelving. Burdett covered the mantle-piece above the kitchen stove, the shelves in the kitchen dresser, and the shelves in the laundry with lengths of news-paper she had cut to fit and decorated by cutting a neat saw-toothed design along the front edges.
The toilet was even further from the house in a little shed built for the purpose.
Mondays was always Burdett’s wash-day, and her gleaming sheets would almost fill the back garden as they flapped in the breeze from her clothes line - two ropes strung between tall posts, with long poles used as ‘props’ at the centre point of each rope to keep the washing from dragging on the ground.
And Tuesdays in Burdett’s house were always ironing days. Wednesday was baking-day, Thursday was shopping day and Friday was house cleaning.
Milk for the household was purchased from the dairy in Mansfield Street, which was just around the corner, running parallel to Flinders Street. Burdett would put on her best dress and best shoes and set off with her small billy and lid to the dairy. The dairyman kept his milk supply in a large milk urn beside his shop counter, without any kind of refrigeration. When a customer wanted to purchase milk, the man would remove the lid from the urn, un-hook his long-handled ladle from the side of the urn and ladle out the required milk into the customer’s container. Two ladles would fill Burdett’s billy, and for this milk she would pay about six pence.
This was a good house for the Warren’s with many visitors and people staying for periods at a time.
Leonard Leslie and Burdett and friend on running board of their Dodge Car
Leonard Leslie had a beautiful 1934 Dodge car,
1937 – Wedding of George Ernest Edward Warren
January 23 and their second son married Iris Ella Ford at a ceremony at St. Matthews Church in Prahran.
George Ernest Edward Warren & Iris Ella Ford's wedding. Bridesmaids were Marcel Edwards and Jennie Burnside (right)
The groomsmen were Bob Burnside and Robert Leslie Warren (right)
1937 – Wedding of Robert Leslie James Warren
Later that same year, on December 11, 1937 at the same church in which Robbie’s brother, George married - St. Matthews Church in Prahran - Robbie married Muriel Irene Ford, sister of his brother, George’s wife. Brothers married sisters!
Robert James Warren and Muriel Irene (aka Rene) Ford
1938 –Bernard George Warren -Second Grandchild Born
Son, George Ermest Edward Warren and his wife, Iris Ella nee Ford, presented Leonard Leslie and Burdett with their second grandchild on November 8.
Leonard Leslie Warren, Bernard George Warren and Burdett Warren, nee Launder
1940 – 1945 – AIF
A few months after the start of the war, Leonard Leslie, determined not to be late for this war, applied for enlistment in the AIF. This is a summary of his service record in the AIF –
• July 15, 1940 Enlistment at Royal Park. Classified Health A1• July 26, 1940 Transfer to Training Camp, Bendigo• November 8, 1940 Transfer to Training Camp, Royal Park• November 17, 1940 Transfer to Training Camp, Melbourne• November 20, 1940 Post to 1st Ordinance at Williamstown• December 25, 1940 to Middle East• February 7, 1941 Embarked for Sydney• February 11, 1941 Disembarked at Sydney• December 14, 1941 Detailed for duty to AIF Regimental Officers School• December 27, 1941 Re-joined unit from AIF Regimental Officers School• January 16, 1942 Detached for Special Duty• January 24, 1942 Re-joined unit• March 31, 1942 Embarked USS West Point• March 31, 1942 Back to Australia - Disembarked• April 1942 Evacuated 9th Australian General Hospital• April 1942 Discharged 9th Australian General Hospital Returned to unit• May 1942 Transferred to GHQ POMES Branch. Promoted to Acting Corporal• August 19, 1942 To be substantive rank of Corporal• November 26, 1942 Promoted to Acting Sergeant• December 1942 To be substantive rank of Sergeant• May 1943 Directorate of Mechanical Engineering – Staff Captain’s Office• August 1944 Medical Classification from A1 to B2• October 22, 1945 Discharged (1926 days)
Leonard Leslie Warren enlisted in the AIF (Australian Imperial Force) in July 1940, stating his age as 38 years when he was actually twelve years older at 50 years. After his initial training at Bendigo, Royal Park and Melbourne he was posted to the 1st Ordinance Division at Williamstown.
The Australian 1st Division was raised during the initial formation of the AIF in 1914, shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. The division consisted of around 18,000 men, organised into three infantry brigades, each of four battalions as well as various supporting units including artillery, light horse, engineers, and medical personnel.
The division's subordinate units, including the Ordinance Division, were raised separately in the various states before embarking firstly to Sydney, then to overseas, the 1st Division to Egypt. Many of Leonard Leslie’s fellow soldiers ended fighting on The Western Front, but luckily, once in Egypt, Leonard Leslie was detached from his unit and assigned to duty to the Regimental Officers’ School where he was trained as a Batman. A batman is a soldier in Leonard Leslie’s case who was assigned to a commissioned officer as a personal servant or secretary. The post was also known as an orderly or valet.
Whilst serving in Egypt he joined with his fellow soldiers in exploring the sites that were on offer and brought home many souvenirs of his time abroad, some of which may still be found in the homes of his descendants.
After Leonard Leslie returned to Australia from Egypt in March 1942, he endured a short stint in hospital before being transferred, again as batman or personal assistant, to the Office of Staff Captain in the Directorate of Mechanical Engineering (DME). This is the list of his duties he had to perform -
Leonard Leslie Warren working at his desk during WW2
1941 – Third Grandchild Born - Beverley Iris Warren
Their first-born son, Robbie and his wife, Rene, nee Ford welcome their first child, a daughter, Beverley Iris Warren on April 4.
Beverley Iris Warren
1943 – Birth of Fourth Grandchild - Robert Leslie Warren
Robbie and Rene’s second child, and fourth grandchild for Leonard Leslie and Burdett arrived – christened Robert Leslie Warren born July 7.
Beverley Iris Warren and brother, Robert Leslie Warren
1943 – Discharge from AIF
In August 1943, his medical assessment was reduced from A1 to B2 and in October 1943, at his actual age of 53 years, he was discharged from the AIF, having served a total of 926 days of service of which 462 days were served in performing overseas duties. Remember, his age at discharge according to the AIF records was only 41 years.
Unlike his first stint in the AIF, this time, he was entitled to apply for a Defence Force Pension and his application was successful.
1945 – Warren & Sons
Towards the end of 1945, Leonard’s son, George left his job at Henderson’s Springs Works and, together with his father, Leonard Leslie and his brother, Bert, set up a painting and decorating business which they called ‘Warren & Sons’.
1945 – Birth of Fifth Grandchild - Nola Irene Warren
George Ernest Edward Warren and Iris Ella nee Ford’s second child arrives eight years after the birth of their son – this time a daughter – me - Nola Irene Warren on November 6.
1946 – Application for Discharge from Bankruptcy
1948 – Citizens’ Military Forces
Leonard Leslie Warren must have so enjoyed his time serving in the AIF, that he enlisted in the CMF on July 6, 1948 retaining his rank of Sergeant.
The CMF was part of the AIF and was designed to have a fighting force of men ready and able to defend Australia if and when the need arose. Leonard Leslie joined the CMF after the end of WW2 and thus his role was to help train young men to readiness should the need arise in the future.
1949 - Discharge
Leonard Leslie Warren was discharged on May 4, 1949 after 303 days of service in the CMF.
1956 – New Business Venture
The painting and decorating trade was suffering as many more householders decided to take on those jobs for themselves. Consequently, Warren & Sons, now employing Leonard Leslie and George Ernest Edward Warren, was struggling. What a good idea it would be to buy a milk bar and delicatessen business that both could work together! And so, they did – at Springvale – at that time, a suburban wilderness on the outskirts of Melbourne.
Both families sold their homes and moved goods and chattels and families from Thornbury in the case of Leonard and Preston for George, to life in the less than salubrious residences behind those shops at Springvale.
Neither shop was busy, and Leonard Leslie’s bad temper did not help to encourage custom. One day, a ruckus was heard emanating from the Delicatessen with lots of shouting and banging. George rushed into the shop thinking the worst only to find that his father was abusing a customer because the customer had brought back a pie he had purchased only minutes before complaining that the meat inside the pie was black and hard and unfit to eat. Leonard Leslie had refused to either replace the pie or refund the money.
George, always the calm one, pacified the customer with an apology and a refund, but by this stage, already doubts were forming that the venture was probably not viable.
Burdett pined for her beautiful home back in Thornbury, and George and Iris worked in shifts to enable their shop to remain open from 7 am to 11 pm every day. Eventually George had to resume his painting and decorating business to try to bring in some income and to do this, he had to travel from Springvale to Preston every day as this was where his established business was. When he returned to the shop after a day’s work, he would take his turn in the shop until closing time.
1957 – Business Failure
It was only about a year later that all knew their venture was a failure and having lost quite a bit of money on the gamble, were forced to sell the businesses in Springvale and move houses again – Leonard Leslie and Burdett to 4 Rayner Court, West Preston and George and Iris to 129 Collins Street, Thornbury.
Even these moves were not successful, as neither families found it easy to make ends meet.
1958 – Residence 4 Rayner Court, West Preston
Life settled to normal for Leonard Leslie and Burdett Warren in the house in Rayner Court, but it in no way resembled the beautiful home they had made for themselves at 97 Flinders Street, Thornbury.
The author, Nola Irene Kim, nee Warren and Iris Ella Warren, nee Ford at 4 Rayner Court, West Preston
Leonard Leslie Warrem and Burdett Warren, nee Launder in the front garden at 4 Rayner Court, West Preston
At some point, Leonard Leslie decided to offer accommodation to a country girl in the spare bedroom of the house. But it seems that accommodation was not the only thing on offer. Late one night, Burdett telephoned her son, George, in tears complaining that her husband, Leonard Leslie, was having an affair with ‘the girl’. George went to the home in West Preston and after a lot of heated discussions, gave ‘the girl’ her marching orders demanding she pack her bags and be gone early the following morning, much to the disappointment of Leonard Leslie and to the grateful thanks of his long suffering wife, Burdett.
Early the next morning, George returned to the house to ensure ‘the girl’ made her departure, never to return. ‘The girl’ did have a name, but to this day, I cannot remember it as she was ever afterwards referred disparagingly as ‘the girl’.
I can only imagine that life for Burdett after the departure of ‘the girl’ would have been almost as unpleasant and stressful as it had been when she had had to witness her husband’s dalliances, of which this was but one in what was possibly a long list.
At some time between 1958 and 1963, it was decided that Leonard Leslie should retire from Warren & Sons as his bad temper was playing havoc with clients. His son, George, continued to pay his father a wage from the firm’s income.
1962 – Birth of First Great-Grandchild
Leonard Leslie and Burdett’s grandson, Bernard Warren and his wife, Joan, nee Scott, bring their first child, a daughter, into the world. Bernice Warren was born on June 6.
1965 – Birth of Second Great-Grandchild
Glen Warren is Leonard Leslie and Burdett’s second great-grandchild, another child of Bernard and Joan Warren, sister to Bernice.
1966 – Birth of Third Great-Grandchild
Nola Irene nee Warren, having married Winston Basil Kim gave birth to their firstborn child, Jeffrey David Kim on February 22.
1969 – Birth of Fourth Great-Grandchild
Katrina Kim, daughter of Nola and Winston Kim is born on May 23.
1972 – Burdett into Mont Park Mental Hospital
In the 1970’s, people in the north east region, including Preston, Northcote, and Whittlesea, were offered short-term treatment at Mont Park Psychiatric Hospital, and long-term rehabilitation at the Mont Park Mental Hospital. (The Mont Park Psychiatric Hospital was a unit within the Mont Park Mental Hospital.)
Burdett was admitted to Mont Park Mental Hospital on May 23, 1972 – for what reason I have yet to determine.
About 1973 – Family Reunion
I arranged a Warren Family reunion to be held in the garden of Albert and Kathleen’s house in McLeod. It started as a lovely warm sunny day and of course, photographs were taken.
L to R : Robert Leslie Warren, George Ernest Edward Warren, Albert Herbert Warren with Leonard Leslie Warren seated.
My son, Jeffrey David Kim, fronted up to be included in the photo of the Warren male descendants, only to be told ‘get out of it – you don’t belong here!’ My husband was of Chinese descent and my marriage was at a time when such inter-marriages were not common nor always readily accepted. My young son had his first taste of racial discrimination – even though it was me who had arranged the day. I did not know of this incident until much later when I asked Jeffrey why he was not in the male photo.
As was often the case when the Warren boys were involved, the day which had started so promisingly, ended in arguments, shouting and almost came to blows. Leonard Leslie and Burdett’s second-born son, George, my father, was always a peacemaker with a sensible head, and he managed to calm the situation sufficiently for everyone to depart to their various homes without bloodshed!
1974 – Death – Burdett Warren, nee Launder
Hidden away in the Mont Park Mental Hospital, my grandmother, Burdett Warren, nee Launder, died at 7.30 on the morning of January 3 in 1974. As she had not been attended by a doctor for the few days prior to her death, an autopsy was performed.
The inquest report stated that her death had been caused by an "intestinal obstruction due to Volvulus" which is when a loop of intestine twists around itself resulting in a bowel obstruction. I can remember as a child, Nana Warren (Burdett) complaining "Oh, my poor stomach!" It was such a common refrain that family members actually joked about it. In my memory, Burdett only ever ate very small meals, her favourite being lighted grilled fish fillets. I survived Volvulus a couple of years ago and I can attest to the awful pain it caused. Luckily, my situation was solved with timely surgery. But Burdett never received such relief.
The inquest report also found -
She also suffered from Senile Demetia.Artherosclerosis of the AortaNarrowing of the Coronary OpeningsAbnormal dilation of the lower end of the OesophagusVolvulus of the BowelFinely granular KidneysAtrophy of the Brain
As previously noted, there was also evidence of an old scar indicating surgical intervention which probably occurred at the time she was delivered of a still-born daughter in about 1935.
Sometime after the death of Burdett, it was agreed that George, Leonard Leslie’s son and his wife Iris purchase the house at 4 Rayner Court, West Preston. They were to renovate it and provide accommodation for themselves as well as for Leonard Leslie.
1980 – Residence 4 Carwarp Street, McLeod
The arrangement of sharing the house at 4 Rayner Court, West Preston worked well for a few years, but by 1980 had run its course, consequently the house was sold.
George and Iris moved to 2 Dean Close, Lower Templestowe in an apartment built onto the rear of their daughter, Nola’s house whilst Leonard Leslie Warren, now 90 years old, moved in with his younger son, Albert Warren and his wife, Kathleen at 4 Carwarp Street, McLeod.
Shortly before Leonard Leslie’s death, he was moved into a nursing home in Thornbury.
1982 – Death – Leonard Leslie Warren
Leonard Leslie Warren’s life ended in the nursing home in Thornbury at age 92 years on November 6 in 1982.
Name Leonard Leslie Warren
He was buried in the cemetery at Boroondara in Hawthorn, the site for many Launder and Warren graves.
The transcription on the grave for Leonard Leslie Warren and his wife, Burdett reads –
In loving memory of my dear wife and our loving mother Burdett died 3 January 1974 82 yearsAlso beloved parents of above Roberts and Mary Launder &Leonard Leslie Warren dearly beloved husband of Burdett 6 November 1982 92 years
1983 – Probate – Leonard Leslie Warren
Probate was granted on January 25, 1983.
Last Will & Testament
Leonard Leslie Warren’s last will and testament was signed July 20, 1981 appointing his grandson, Bernard George Warren as his executor.
The only other people to benefit from his estate were his great-grandchildren Glen and Bernice Warren (Bernard George Warren’s children) and David and Susan Bartlett (Robert Leslie James Warren’s grandchildren.)
None of Burt’s children were named in the will, nor me. Perhaps he forgot or perhaps there was ‘bad blood’ about his transfer into the nursing home.
Photographs
About 1930 : Burdett & Les at Buckley Farm
Abt 1920 : Mary Burdett Launder, nee Salisbury & Leonard Leslie Warren, surrounded by Launder relatives
About 1920 : Burdett Launder with brother Les Launder
Abt 1936 : Leonard Leslie Warren, Kathleen Warren, nee McCormack, Burdett Warren, nee Launder, Albert Warren holding baby Leonard Warren
1965 : Burdett Warren, nee Launder Abt 1980 : Leonard Leslie Warren