Laslett family history

John Lacy (Jack) and Muriel Laslett

John Lacy 'Jack' Laslett, eldest child of William Manger and Lilian Rose Laslett (née Earl) (page 149), was born on 17 June, 1912 at Allendale East. He was educated at Kingsley School and like the rest of the Laslett boys worked hard on his farm chores and later as a wool-scourer and a wattle-stripper. (Dye was extracted from the wattle bark and used to tan the hides of animals for leather). In 1931 he became a Monitor at Kingsley School which must have been difficult as his young brothers and sisters were in the classes there. He aspired to become a school teacher and attended Adelaide Teachers' College while boarding at North Adelaide.

After leaving Teachers' College in 1935 he was appointed to Schell's Well (Section 56, Hd. Of Allen, County Alfred in S.A.) which is near Alawoona in the Murray Mallee. The School had children from years 1-7 and as he was the only teacher, there was no non-contact, relief or splitting of yard duties. Later in 1935 he went as locum tenens to Sevenhills School and his salary was revised in November of that year to 176 pounds. On 15 September he was appointed to Salt Lake School, near Snowtown, and remained there until December, 1938. He lived and taught by the precept, "If a job is worth doing it's worth doing well" and was remembered by local citizens as a debater and organiser.

While there he became involved in the Order of Knights of the Methodist Church and it is through this organization that he met Muriel Elisabeth Walkington (Daughter of Albert Victor and Catherine (née Need) of Snowtown. Muriel or 'Mim' was very involved in the Methodist Order of Comrades and worked as a telephonist and later did Secretarial duties for Joseph Turner and Sons. They married on the hottest day in S.A. records on 7 January 1939 when it was 117 degrees. The guests remembered the jellies and cream-puffs melting, the flowers wilting and their crepe dresses shrinking under the arm-pits. The bridesmaids waited in the cellar under the Walkington house in Fourth Street, Snowtown until it was time to face the hot sun and get to the church for the marriage service.

'Jack' was appointed to Mallee Corner one teacher school in February 1939 and 'Mim' having resigned from her work in Snowtown, became the sewing teacher (unpaid of course). Robert Lacy Laslett, their first son, was born on 4 June 1940 in Snowtown. 'Jack' was called up for active service in 1942 and joined the RAAF United Kingdom division. He trained at Mt. Breckan, Victor Harbor, S.A. and later at Trenton Air Training School in Canada and became a Navigator and Flight Sergeant Their second child, Rosalie Elisabeth, was born on 16 May 1942 in Snowtown while her father was still overseas. 'Mim' and children moved back into Snowtown so 'Mim's family could assist her with the children. Mallee Corner School closed in October 1942.

In June 1945 'Jack' was released from the Air Force and appointed to Snowtown Higher Primary School. He studied by correspondence and gained his Teacher's Certificate in 1950. During his time at Snowtown he was reporter for the Stanley Herald and later the Advertiser, President of the Football Club (1949), umpired girl's basketball, goal umpired for football, was a local preacher for the Methodist Church, office-bearer in the Order of Knights, a faithful attendee and worshipper at the Methodist Church, a member and office-bearer of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the R.S.L. Kym Trenton Laslett, a third child, was born on 28 May, 1947 and John Victor Laslett was born on 5 April,1952.

Robert 'Bob' had left Snowtown in February 1952 to board and to attend school (A.B.H.S.) in the city and Rosalie was soon due to go to High School also so after many farewell functions in September 1953 the family 'uprooted' from the country and went to live at 77 Welland Avenue, Welland in the city.

'Jack' was appointed as a Demonstration Assistant to Sturt Street Practising School and trained many Teachers' College students in methods of teaching in one teacher schools. He was appointed as Deputy Master of Method early in 1961. During this period of time he was a local preacher, Superintendent of the Sunday School at West Hindmarsh Methodist Church, attended R.S.L. meetings, played lawn bowls, taught migrants English and became an ardent supporter of the Sturt Football Club. In his spare time in the school holidays he supplemented his meagre teaching pay by becoming a sorter of mail at the Adelaide GPO and worked as a clerk for Louis Dreyfus Wheat Agents and Exporters. He continually told his children to study hard and improve themselves so they would not have to study after they were married or study by correspondence and often said 'Education is no load to carry'.

In late March 1961 'Jack' was appointed as Deputy Head Master to Mansfield Park Primary School, a very tough school by today's standards. He continued to work, faithfully supported by 'Mim', at West Hindmarsh Methodist Church as a trustee, steward and office bearer and also wrote training material for Sunday School teachers. At Adelaide Oval on 8 May 1965 he suffered a massive sudden heart attack and died next morning at Queen Elizabeth Hospital to the shock of all who knew him. A large number of people attended his burial service at West Hindmarsh Methodist Church and also the Cremation service at Centennial Park. One of his sisters, Rosa, was heard to say after the service that, 'It is better to wear out than rust out ', but perhaps he over-did it teaching and working for his family and others.

'Mim' Laslett sold the house at Welland in 1977 and moved to a unit at 10/471 Grange Road, Seaton. She still lives there and is involved in the Kidman Park Uniting Church and Fellowship and still attends the Legacy Club where she was Choir Leader for many years.

Family of Jack and Muriel Laslett

Sons

ROBERT LACY - was born on 4 June 1940 at Snowtown. Education - Snowtown Higher Primary School; Adelaide Boys High School; Adelaide Teachers College (Completed training as a Secondary Teacher); Adelaide University Masters Degree in Science, Diploma in Education (Secondary); FRACI; Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary.

'Bob' married Judith Ann Turner, a Primary School teacher on 6 January,1966. Judy taught at Warooka, Pt. Pirie and St. Morris Primary Schools. After bringing up their children, Judy went back to full-time teaching in Victoria but has now retired. They are both active members of the Mt. Pleasant Uniting Church and 'Bob' is also a Local Preacher. He is heavily involved in Rotary Club having been a District Governor and worked on many projects involving youth and saving the Melbourne Shrine. 'Bob' is actively involved in Co-operative Education, has presented papers at Overseas Conferences and helped to write a Handbook on this subject. 'Bob' is Principal Lecturer in Organic Chemistry at Swinburne Uni. of Technology and has written research papers for various Chemistry Journals. He and Judy live at 19 Sherman Street, Forest Hills, Vic., 3131.
CHILDREN:

Anne-Marie - born 4 August 1967 MDSc. (Preventive and Community Dentistry) MPH (Public Health); BDSc. Works for Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, Victoria. A-M retains Laslett as her professional name. Married Statios Konstantopoulos BDSc.
Children:
Evelyn Esther Kate Konstantopoulos - born 12 June 1997
Adonis Donald Robert Konstantopoulos - born 9 February 1999
Andrew Lacy - born 26 January 1969. PhD (Bio Chemistry); BSc (Hons); Doing Post Doctoral Studies at Temple Uni., Philadelphia, USA. Married to Joanne Watson BSc (Speech Pathology). Works for The Institute on Disabilities,UAP, Philadelphia, USA. 'Jo' retains Watson as her professional name.
Duncan Robert - born 17 December 1971. BSc., BE. Works for Kemcor, Victoria. Engaged to Helen Arnoldi BA (Hons), Dip. In Curatorial Studies. Completing Masters Degree Studies.

ROSALIE ELISABETH - born on 16 May 1942 at Snowtown. Education - Snowtown Higher Primary School; Sturt Street Practising School; Thebarton Girls Technical School; Adelaide Girls High School; Adelaide Teachers' College (Currie Street Annexe); Adelaide University, BA Dip Ed. Became a School Teacher at Mansfield Park Junior Primary and reached rank of Acting Principal; Ascot Park Junior Primary and reached rank of Acting PrincipalRelief Teacher at Keith Area School. Taught at Keith Pre-School Kindergarten. From 1982 onwards Relief Teacher or Contract Teacher at many schools from Hallett Cove to Victor Harbor in S.A.

Rosalie married Ronald Robert Hill on 10 January 1970. Ron has completed requirements for AAIB(Snr), MNIA, SIA (Af.). Ron has held positions as Manager Bank S.A., Keith, Bank Auditor and worked in Treasury for Bank S.A. Retrenched 1993. Now Department Organizer for Fulham Amcal Pharmacy. Life Member Southern Tennis Association and Life Member Morphett Vale Tennis Club.
CHILDREN:
Christopher Robert Hill - born 3 November 1970. BSc(Ma. and Comp. Sc.). Computer Programmer, Mayer Krieg, Unley, S.A. Represented Aust. in 1998 World Triathlon Champs. in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Stephen John Hill - born 29 December 1971. Senior Computer Operator, Adelaide Bank, S.A.
Scott Anthony Hill - born 20 October1975. Bec. Project Manager Originations, Mortgage Centre, Lockleys, Adelaide.

KYM TRENTON - born on 28 May 1947 in Snowtown. Education Allenby Gardens Primary School (Dux); Adelaide Boys' High School; Apprenticed to FSMA for 4 years from 2 January 1964; University of Adelaide - Studied Pharmacy; Completed requirements on 8 December 1967 but too young to register as a Pharmacist until 28 May 1968. Worked Relieving Pharmacist for FSMA until May 1969; Travelled and worked in Europe until June, 1970Relieving Pharmacist for FSMA; Manager Of National Pharmacy 1971 - 30/6/1973; Manager Alberton Pharmacy July 1973-March 1974; then became a partner with Charlie Tomeo. Kym married Jillian Ruth Harvey (née Treglown) in January 1974. Tomeo and Laslett acquired Mall Pharmacy, West Lakes in 1978. Kym and Jill were divorced in1981. Kym married Tracey Jane Watson, a Pharmacy Assistant, on 5 February 1983. Kym is a FPS Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Soc., May 1979. MACPP Mem. of Aust. College of Pharmacy Practice, June 1986. MAIPM Mem. of Aust. Inst. Pharmacy Management Feb., 1989. AFAIPM Assoc. Fellow of Aust. Institute of Pharmacy Management, Aug., 1997. Additional pharmacy acquisitions with Charlie Tomeo; Hibiscus Pharmacy (Darwin), Dec., 1983; Village Pharmacy (Darwin), Nov.,1985; Fulham Target Pharmacy, April, 1986; Morphett Vale Pharmacy, Jan.,1989; Pennington Pharmacy, Jan.,1989; Old Reynella Pharmacy, May 1991; Bridge Street Pharmacy (Murray Br.), Nov., 1994; Swanport Rd.Pharmacy,(Murray Bridge) Nov., 1994; Coolalinga Pharmacy (Darwin), June 1996; Graydon's Pharmacy (Glen Innes), July 1996; Darwin Mall Pharmacy, May 1997. Kym is still a Pharmacist and Tracey returned to work as a Pharmacy Assistant at West Lakes in 1997. They live at 9 Marmora Terrace, North Haven, S.A. 5018.
CHILDREN:
(*1)
Jodie Kane - born 26 November1974. BEd. Taught Japanese in S.A. southern schools. Now teaches English at Aomori in Japan.
Trent Matthew – born 18 April 1976. BSc. Now studying Pharmacy at University of S.A..
(*2)
Carly Jane - born 8 August 1983. Student
Dale John - born 30 July 1985. Student

JOHN VICTOR - born on 5 April 1952 at Snowtown, S.A. Underdale High School; Adelaide University BSc(Math. Sciences) (Hons.); Computing Science Major Canberra College of Advanced Education; Post Grad. Dip. in Computing Science. Member of the Australian Computer Soc. and the Aust. Institute of International Affairs.

John married Carol Ann Eeles on 4 September 1976 at Junee, N.S.W. and at that stage she was working for the Dept. of Foreign Affairs. At the moment she is studying for a degree at Australian National Uni. and works for the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies. They live at 16 Cumberledge Crescent, Pearce, A.C.T. 2607.

John commenced his career in the IT industry in 1974and held several positions in the Australian Public Service before moving to the private sector in 1988. Since then , he has undertaken numerous projects, both in Australia and overseas where he has worked in developing countries. His project roles have included Strategic Planning, Project Design, Project Director, Project Manager, Systems Development Team Leader, Business Analyst and Trainer and he is a Computer Power Staff Manager.

John has been involved in Year 2000 problem resolution in various ways. He is a member of Computer Power's Year 2000 Practice and has contributed to year 2000 research and development of methodologies for use by Computer Power. He is an active member of the Australian Computer Society's Year 2000 Special Interest Group. John has had to consider the impact of the Year 2000 problem on his projects and on other Computer Power projects. He has recently contributed to the development of a strategic plan for addressing the Year 2000 problem in the Pacific Islands.

CHILDREN:
Adam John - born 30 October 1977. BSc at A.N.U. Now studying at A.N.U. for a BMus.
Ian Anthony - born 5 July 1979. Uni. Student at A.N.U. studying Bio-Chemistry.
Ingrid Michelle - born 28 December1982. Student.
Olivia Jane - born 24 May 1988. Student