unknown Charles Street Launceston Tasmania Australia William John Rout Ettie Annie, Nellie Frances & Lilian Minnie

Mrs Katherine Frances Rout, born in 1848, was the second daughter of James Scott McKay and his wife Ann Jane Wise. Katherine McKay, aged 27, was married to ironmonger William John Rout, aged 32, at 4 Brisbane Street, Hobart, on 27 Mar 1875 by the Rev. John Nesbit. William was the son of Basil Rout of Colac, Victoria. The Rout ironmonger business was established in Hobart in 1824. William expanded the firm in Charles Street, Launceston, and Gilbert Street, Latrobe. Katherine and William's three daughters were born in Launceston: twins Ettie and Nellie on 24 Feb 1877 and Lilian on 16 Mar 1879. The family moved to New Zealand shortly after the Tasmanian Exhibition which was held over the summer of 1891-92. Katherine died in New Zealand in 1911 aged 63. Her husband William died in 1932 aged 89.

Ettie Rout set up the New Zealand Volunteer Sisterhood to care for soldiers in Egypt and France during the First World War. She was reviled by many for her attempt to prevent venereal disease among soldiers by issuing them with prophylactic kits.

Marion Sargent May 2008