Hume Cook Hume Cook i(A43572 works by) (birth name: James Newton Haxton Hume Cook) (a.k.a. J Hume Cook; Bloom Chook)
Also writes as: James Hume-Cook ; J. Hume-Cook
Born: Established: 1866 Kihikihi, Waikato, North Island,
c
New Zealand,
c
Pacific Region,
; Died: Ceased: 1942 Brighton, Brighton - Moorabbin area, Melbourne - Inner South, Melbourne, Victoria,
Gender: Male
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1 y separately published work icon A Win to Wireless James Hume-Cook , Melbourne : James Hume-Cook , 1941 Z812321 1941 single work novel
1 Tales of the Dandenongs : 'Pin' Money James Hume-Cook , 1940 single work short story
— Appears in: Tales of the Dandenongs : (Fourth Series) 1940; (p. 30-48)

The Mitre Tavern in Melbourne is one of its oldest buildings, and in this story the author recounts a tale that may have taken place there decades before involving Peter Pinsent Money, a well-known solicitor dubbed 'Pin Money' - 'Pin' being short for 'Pinch' - so called for his habit of stealing from his clients. An English client, Henry Withers, eventually catches up with 'Pin Money' at the Mitre Tavern and demands the return of his money. The case goes to court and judgement is awarded against Pinsent for the full amount. Soon after, he is struck off the Roll of Legal Practitioners, and his wife dies. However, years later he rises back to a position of esteem. Conincidentally, Pinsent's beloved granddaughter Beryl, meets and falls in love with Henry Withers's grandson Herbert! Pinsent, keen to make amends with Henry for Beryl's sake meets with him and the two young lovers are married with the blessing of both the elderly men.

1 Tales of the Dandenongs : Good-Bye! 'Sunset' James Hume-Cook , 1940 single work short story
— Appears in: Tales of the Dandenongs : (Fourth Series) 1940; (p. 18-29)

A fourteen year old boy, Victor Kennion, is wandering through the bush near Warburton in the Dandenongs looking for lyre birds, when he bumps into a girl with red hair whom he dubs 'Sunset'. They chat and he offers to show her the lyre birds the following day.

The following day, 'Sunset' and Victor meet, and Victor explains that he does not want to work in the mill like his father, but rather wishes to become a doctor or a lawyer. At their next meeting, however, a timber trolley breaks its coupling and injures 'Sunset' and Victor, who tries to protect her. Victor is injured severely but is glad he has saved 'Sunset' and manages to farewell her before he succumbs to his injuries.

Forty years later, 'Sunset', who had remained unmarried, is dying as a result of the injuries sustained so long ago. She finds herself glad to go, and on the moment of death, believes she sees Victor waiting for her in heaven.

1 Tales of the Dandenongs : Molly's Prayers James Hume-Cook , 1940 single work short story
— Appears in: Tales of the Dandenongs : (Fourth Series) 1940; (p. 5-17)
Molly Brown, at 24, is a poor and lonely orphan. In order to better her position, she opens a small guest house at Ferny Creek, but is unable to afford staff and finds working for herself an arduous business. One night she prays tearfully to God to alleviate her circumstances, and a man standing near her window, James Whyte (Jim), overhears her plight. He strikes up a conversation with her and tells of his time in the Army and relationship with his wife Cicely, who lorded her wealth over him and treated him so badly that he had left her and his home in Melbourne to come to the Dandenongs to find work. He decides that he will work for Molly and keep her company, and after five happy weeks, his wife arrives to find him. She is ill, and repentant of the way she had treated Jim. They reconcile and Jim returns home with her just before she dies. He eventually returns to marry Molly, now a wealthy man having inherited his wife's wealth, and they have a son. Molly realises that her prayers have been answered.
1 y separately published work icon Tales of the Dandenongs : (Fourth Series) James Hume-Cook , Melbourne : James Hume-Cook , 1940 Z812318 1940 selected work short story
1 y separately published work icon Tales of the Dandenongs : (Third Series) James Hume-Cook , Melbourne : James Hume-Cook , 1939 Z812315 1939 selected work short story
1 Tales of the Dandenongs : The Nurse James Hume-Cook , 1938 single work short story
— Appears in: Tales of the Dandenongs : (Second Series) 1938; (p. 18-30)

Jack Hewitt, a Council Foreman, meets and falls in love with nurse Mary Morrison after he meets with an accident. She rejects his offer of marriage, however, as she remembers an incident from her childhood in East Brunswick where she was pushed down by a bully who also fought her friend, Jim Young, and caused him to end up with a hunched back. That bully was Jack Hewitt, and when Mary reminds him of what happened, he flies into a jealous rage, assuming that it is Jim Young who is a rival for her affections, and vows to hurt both Mary and Jim. He ambushes and kidnaps Mary - Jim comes to her rescue and Hewitt is told to leave town.

Later, Mary is in the city raising funds for soldiers and sailors when she runs into Jack, who is still angry about what occurred and tries to hit her, but a policeman intervenes. Mary and the policeman, John Alderton, begin chatting, find much in common, and eventually end up marrying. Jim Young, saddened that he was never able to secure Mary's affections, falls ill. She visits him and grants his wish of one kiss before he quietly passes away.

1 Tales of the Dandenongs : Simple Simon James Hume-Cook , 1938 single work short story crime mystery
— Appears in: Tales of the Dandenongs : (Second Series) 1938; (p. 5-17)
Simon Slowe is a local 'character' whose methodical manner and skills of observation lead others in the small town of Gembrook to consult him when a local man is found murdered. It is at first thought that the murderer is Mary McArdle, whose shoeprints are found outside the window of the crime scene. Simon, however, is able to ascertain that the crime was actually committed by another man, a rival for Mary's affections, who was wearing her shoes at the time of the murder.
1 y separately published work icon The Australian Industries Protection League : a historical review Hume Cook , Melbourne : The League , 1938 Z812327 1938 single work
1 y separately published work icon Tales of the Dandenongs : (Second Series) James Hume-Cook , Melbourne : James Hume-Cook , 1938 Z812312 1938 selected work short story
1 Tales of the Dandenongs James Hume-Cook , 1935 series - author short story Each volume in the series begins with a foreword by the author stating that all stories contained therein 'have their settings in the Dandenong Hills.' It is then noted that 'the characters in these stories are fictitious'. The stories do not appear to be intended for children.
1 y separately published work icon Tales of the Dandenongs James Hume-Cook , Melbourne : James Hume-Cook , 1935 Z812309 1935 selected work short story
1 My Parramatta James Hume-Cook , 1935 single work short story
— Appears in: Tales of the Dandenongs 1935; (p. 44-53)
1 Jacko Strikes James Hume-Cook , 1935 single work short story
— Appears in: Tales of the Dandenongs 1935; (p. 36-43)
1 The Professor James Hume-Cook , 1935 single work short story
— Appears in: Tales of the Dandenongs 1935; (p. 27-35)
1 Piccolo Pete James Hume-Cook , 1935 single work short story
— Appears in: Tales of the Dandenongs 1935; (p. 19-26)
1 Dingo! Detective James Hume-Cook , 1935 single work short story
— Appears in: Tales of the Dandenongs 1935; (p. 11-18)
1 Nellie Moir James Hume-Cook , 1935 single work short story
— Appears in: Tales of the Dandenongs 1935; (p. 3-10)
1 y separately published work icon Victoria, a Pageant of the Years 1834-1934 James Hume-Cook , Melbourne : Ruskin Press , 1934 Z812324 1934 single work poetry
1 7 y separately published work icon Australian Fairy Tales Hume Cook , Melbourne : John Howlett-Ross , 1925 Z836428 1925 selected work children's fiction children's The Introduction, by former Prime Minister of Australia William Morris Hughes, states: 'Hitherto, the Fairies we have known, though very delightful beings, have had their habitat in far-off lands. Thanks to the researches of Mr. Hume Cook, we are now able to wander through the enchanted Bush with real Australian Fairy Princes and Princesses; share in the thrills of their amazing adventures; rejoice in the triumph of virtue; and be glad at the downfall of vice.

'The dwellers in Australian Fairy Land, although akin to those of other climes, have a distinct character of their own. Even the wicked Desert Fairies endear themselves to us. Although they do not vomit fire, as did the dreadful dragon of our childhood, one feels that, given a sporting chance, they would make that boastful beast curl up like a salted worm'.

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