Tuesday, August 16, 2022

HARRIS, CLEM AND SARAH

 

Pharmacist Clem Harris

A book belonging to Lily Harris of The Pharmacy, Gulgong

Clem Harris, Chemist, Gulgong, 1890

Gulgong Pharmacy stamp, 1904

C Harris Chemist, Mayne Street Gulgong. 1920s

1905 - AN OLD MAN'S LONELY DEATH.
On Wednesday of last week Mr. A. E. Souter, chemist, of Gulgong, went to visit an old miner named William Fulton. Knocking, and getting no answer, Mr. Souter opened the door and entered the hut, when, to his surprise, he found Fulton lying dead on his bunk. Mr. O. A. Edwards, P.M., held a magisterial inquiry on Thursday, when a verdict of, death from natural causes was returned.
It seems Fulton had been ailing for some time, and Dr. Busby's evidence was to the effect that he had died from cardiac syncope. The old fellow was last seen alive on Tuesday afternoon, when he complained of feeling ill to James McMahon, who lit a fire for him. On deceased 7½ d was found, and Dr. Busby, who looked after his old-age pension for him, held £4 9s 6d. - "Western Post."
1910 - FACULTY OF MEDICINE
Among those who successfully passed an examination for faculty of medicine was Mr. George E. Souter, brother of Mr. A. E. Souter, chemist of Gulgong.

 

This label for A E Souter was found during the renovation of a Gulgong home.

Source: Julie Gillan


1915 - [CHEMIST BITTEN BY CHILD]
Mr. Souter, chemist, of Gulgong, while extracting a lolly from a little girl's throat, during a theatrical performance, was bitten on the finger by the child. Blood poisoning set in, and for a few days Mr. Souter was occasioned much pain. Had he not been prompt in getting- the sweet from the child's throat she would have choked altogether.

1921 - Death of Mr Clem Harris. WELL-KNOWN GULGONG CITIZEN.
The death has occurred of Mr. Clem Harris, chemist, of Gulgong, one of the best-known residents of the town and district, after a lingering illness. His death was not altogether unexpected, as he has been seriously ill for some time. Mr. Harris leaves many friends who will mourn his loss. He is survived by a wife and two daughters and several grandchildren. Mr. W. England, of Burrundulla, was a close friend of the deceased.


Mr. C. Harris, chemist at Gulgong for 30 years, has died, aged 57.

Susan Harris, Chemist

The following article was spotted by Bruce Walker in the 2001 Annual Report of the Pharmaceutical Defence Limited.

Examination of a Candidate for Registration as a Pharmacist

At the last meeting of the Board, an application for registration was received from Mrs Susan Harris of Gulgong. After the matter had been discussed at some length, Mr Marshall moved “That in view of the fact that the applicant is a lady, and as the Board has found in many cases where ladies have applied for registration that they have not had the requisite training or knowledge, the Board considers it necessary before granting the application or otherwise that the applicant should come before the Board to be questioned in the matter and the application be deferred pending such inquiry.”

Mrs Harris was therefore summoned before the Board and was in attendance when the Chairman who cautioned Mrs Harris that she need no answer any questions put to her unless she liked”

What is your full name? Susan Harris.

You are married to Mr Clement Harris of Gulgong? Yes.

He is a Pharmacist? Yes.

Have you any children? Two.

Do you claim registration under the Pharmacy Act because you were an assistant to him before or after marriage? After marriage.

Do you do the housework? My daughter does it and has done for some time. I kept a servant formerly for five or six years.

Were you continuously in the shop? Yes, for the last 13 or 14 years.

Did you dispense in the shop? Yes.

You were engaged generally in the business with your husband? Yes.

Can you give the Board any idea of the number of Doctor’s prescriptions you would dispense daily? Sometime 20. In a country place it varies.

Your servant and daughter looks after the meals and housework? Yes.

What time in the morning did you commence your duties in the shop? About 8 o’clock.

What time did you finish? About 10 o’clock.

Did you at any time during these years leave town? No.

Did you have any agreement with your husband in reference to our assistantship? No.

You received no wages, I presume? No. I put all my money into the business, of course.

Have you been paid for the last 14 years continuously working in your husband’s shop from 9 o’clock in the morning till 10 o’clock at night? Yes, with the exception of going into the house occasionally, I have only been away three months since my marriage.

The house and shop are combined? Yes.

Are you satisfied that, if Mr Harris were away you could manage by yourself? Yes, I have managed previously for 10 days when my husband was away.

You made a declaration in this matter? Yes.

Is that declaration correct? Yes, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

You have been an assistant since 1886 to your husband? Yes.

It was an open Pharmacists shop? Yes.

Who opens the shop in the morning? I do.

Who closes it at night? Sometimes I do, sometimes my husband.

Who puts up the stock? Sometimes I do, I assist.

How was it you first came to act as an assistant? We had a great rush at times at Prospect.

He taught you dispensing, and you acted under his directions? Yes.

Note: Susan Harris was granted registration in 1902 (Source: AJP February 1902)

1930 - GULGONG.
Mrs. S. Harris [wife of Clem Harris, chemist], who has been dispensing for 38 years in Gulgong, has disposed of her chemist's business to Mr. D.H. Dougan.

1930 - THE PHARMACY GULGONG
I have sold my business in Gulgong to Mr. D. H. Dougan, who will take charge of the Pharmacy on ___. As I will immediately be leaving the district, ALL ACCOUNTS SHOULD BE PAID TO ME BY FEBRUARY 21st. I take this opportunity of thanking the people of Gulgong and district for their generous support during my long years of advice to them. (Mrs.) S. HARRIS.