Mr James Hume-Cook  was the Honorary Secretary of the Society (1866 – 1942)

Mr James Hume Cook (1866-1942) was born in Kihikihi, New Zealand, later migrating with his family to Melbourne in 1881. In 1893, he was elected to Brunswick Town Council and in 1896 became mayor. Mr James Hume-Cook was the Honorary Secretary of The Society for the Health of Women and Children of Victoria, the foundation for the Tweddle Baby Hospital and School of Mothercraft.

He had also been involved in orchard-growing, mining and insurance companies and charitable organizations. He published a book of Australian fairy tales and wrote hundreds of protectionist pamphlets, patriotic poetry, and several manuscripts, including his memoirs.

Hume Cook served as Hon. Secretary of the Society for 10 years, 4 years as Honorary Treasurer, and after the death of Dr James Springthorpe, became President 1933-1941.