• Entry type: Person
  • Entry ID: AWE3968

Cuthbertson, Margaret

(1864 – 1944)
  • Born 6 September, 1864, Bacchus March Victoria Australia
  • Died 17 November, 1944, Melbourne Victoria Australia
  • Occupation Child welfare worker, Factory inspector, Public servant, Women's rights activist

Summary

In March 1894 Margaret Cuthbertson was appointed to a three month trial as the first Female Inspector of Factories in Victoria. Having joined the public service six years earlier (she was employed as a Telephone Switch Operator in the Department of Postmaster-General on 25 July 1888) she was the successful applicant for a position that required someone capable of reporting on the sanitary arrangements, hours of labour, remuneration etc of all places where women were employed. She was also expected to visit the premises of outworkers and make occasional visit to rural and regional centres. She was the main conduit of information between women workers and the Chief Inspector of Factories.

Published resources

Related entries


  • Colleague
    • Goldstein, Vida (1869 - 1949)
  • Membership
    • National Council of Women of Victoria (1902 - )
  • Featured in
    • First Ladies: Finding Women in Public Record Office Victoria
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    • McGowan, Henrietta Celeste