Private adoptions NSW - early 1920's

[esile281]

hi all,
Realise that the Adoption register came into effect 1923, but any ideas on how to access info re adoptions prior to that date...
Hopeleigh has since closed and Salvos look after paper work - but not all files are there. and could be a private adoption.) or if my nanna was actually in the orphange - would there still be a paper trail prior to 1923?
Any ideas on how to tackle this?

thanks

[~MERLIN~]

What information do you have on your grandmother?

Can you give us her name, date & place of birth that you know it to be?

[esile281]

Hi Merlin.
My nannas adopted name was Violet (ivy) Winifred Griffin, adopted by Violet Annie Evelyn Griffin, and Thomas Walter Griffin who married in 1921 - but not sure of the adoption date.
She was born 15th july 1920.
believed to be in the Hopeliegh hospital for unwed mothers MArrickville NSW - which turned into Bethesda hospital for unwed mothers, but dont know birth mother name - have contacted salvos who now have the paper work - but they can only find adoption records from birth mothers name. As I dont know this - and thats what we are trying to find... im stuck.
Obviously bdm dont go up to 1920 at the moment, so trying to see if anyone else has any ideas?
Thanks

[~MERLIN~]

I had hoped she was born before the end of 1918 as I have the NSW BDM indexes up until that date 

Have you been in contact with Zoe LANG the Historical Records researcher for the SALVO's?

Territorial Mission & Resource Team
The Salvation Army
Australia Eastern Territory
(02) 9266 9559
Historicalrecords[AT]aue.salvationarmy.org

If she was at Hopeleigh they should be able to cross reference her records with the GRIFFIN name the people who adopted/took her into care.

[esile281]

Yes I have!!! She was the one who has said that unless i had the birth mothers name - she couldnt help - as all records were filed by birth mothers name.. obviously - this is the information I am seeking...
Hmmm wonder if I could bug you about a birth on my grandfathers side as well???
born in or after 1914 but before 1919 (as thats when the mother died???)

[~MERLIN~]

Yes, give me his name & I can look it up for you 

[esile281]

Thanks Merlin..
Looking for a Wilfred Neville McDonald. born 1914 to 1918. his mother was known as Minnie, not sure on father - we arent sure of her "real name" and are trying to track that. She died 1919 and he went to live with his uncle Donald Mcdonald. So maybe father wasnt in the picture??
Thanks for this!!!

Can you tell me if any government agency would kept records of all adoptions???
ie... a court house?

[~MERLIN~]

MACDONALD Wilfred N b. 1914 PARRMATTA #20937
Mother: Minnie

You can purchase a transcription or copy of his birth certificate from the 1st Jan 2015.

[esile281]

Thanks so much Merlin.