People Australia

Blanche McEacharn, n.d.

from Who's Who in the World of Women, vol 2, 1934

Blanche Isabel McEacharn: Born, Gippsland, Victoria. Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Busfield Jones, of Gippsland and Melbourne. Wife of James Volum McEacharn, Solicitor, principal of the well-known legal firm of J. V. McEacharn & Son, Queen Street, Melbourne; third son of the late Archibald McEacharn, and a descendant of a well-known Highland family living in the island of Islay; several members of which were early pioneers in Australia.

ACTIVITIES. In 1905 joined Wilson & McKinnon Pty. Ltd., as assistant to the social editress, “Queen Bee’’ of the Australasian, and took the pen name of “Falaise,” and after “Queen Bee’’ resigned had charge of the Women’s Page until her own resignation in 1922. She resigned to take complete control of the Women’s Section of the Sun News-Pictorial and held this position until 1933. Among the many appeals made by her as “Falaise” the most notable was during the big bush fires which resulted in substantial contributions from women for a relief fund, which greatly assisted the afflicted. Charitable and welfare movements were subjects of interest for her to write about and always of special appeal for her co-operation have been: The Victoria League, the Arts and Crafts Society (she having attended the inaugural meetings of both), the Wattle Day Appeal (having lent her aid to the original promoters), the Free Kindergarten Union and the various city hospitals. In the last category she was made a Life Governor of the Berry Street Infants’ Home and Hospital for journalistic service rendered. In 1929 she was the first Melbourne press woman to be presented at Court.

HOBBIES. Literature, Music, Tennis, Swimming.

CLUB. Lyceum.

ADDRESS. 2 Loch Street, St. Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria.